Former Syrian Mufti Reportedly Tortured in Custody by Jolani-Led Militants
Sheikh Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun, the former Grand Mufti of Syria, is reportedly in serious physical condition months after being detained by groups affiliated with Abu Mohammad al-Julani. According to local sources, his transfer to an undisclosed location within Syria and the complete media blackout surrounding his status have raised growing concerns about his fate.
Mahmoud Mawaldi, an official with the Syrian al-Tahrir al-Watani Party, stated that Sheikh Hassoun’s deteriorating health is the result of torture allegedly inflicted during his detention by Julani’s forces. He added that the former cleric is currently being held in a residential property under tight security.
Abu Mohammad al-Julani, who has declared himself “president,” is a hardline figure under international sanctions. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), maintains control over parts of northern Syria and has long faced accusations of widespread human rights violations.
Despite several months having passed since Hassoun’s arrest, no clear legal justification has been provided. Hassoun held a religious role under Syria’s previous government and was not involved in any executive or military capacity. This has intensified concerns that militant factions in Syria are exploiting religion and clerical positions for political ends.
