Syrians chant Islamist slogans at German Christmas markets (VIDEOS)
Some Islamist slogans, chanted in many German Christmas markets by Syrians celebrating the overthrow of Bashar Assad, are causing concern Read Full Article at RT.com
Analysts suggest the deliberate use of Christian venues for demonstrations is “disrespectful”
Masses of Syrians celebrating the ousting of President Bashar Assad have been seen at Christmas markets across Germany over the past week. Videos posted online show thousands marching through the festive venues waving Syrian flags and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and ‘Bashar is gone, Syria is free!’
The situation in Syria rapidly deteriorated in November when militants led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive that routed the country’s troops, taking over major cities, including Damascus. After the collapse of Assad’s military, the armed opposition seized power and he was forced to flee to Russia, where he was granted political asylum.
According to German media, groups of Syrian opposition supporters have taken over Christmas markets throughout the country since the previous weekend. They were spotted in Stuttgart, Dresden, Baden-Württemberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Konstanz and several other cities. While the demonstrations have been peaceful, some slogans being chanted have sparked worry among security experts. For instance, the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar,’ which roughly translates into ‘God is Great,’ is a standard greeting for Muslims but, in certain contexts, is also associated with extreme Islamism.
Auch in Stuttgart freuen die Syrer fröhlich auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt. Alles ganz normal im besten Deutschland Allah Zeiten.
Leute, ihr habt’s so gewählt und somit auch gewollt.
Jede Person, die Altparteien wählt, wählt somit auch diese Umstände. pic.twitter.com/dPr28vAU1a— Raijin (@Raijinsays) December 11, 2024
Footage from the demonstrations posted online is currently being evaluated by the German police, Bild reported on Saturday, with the chants to be translated into German and assessed by law enforcement officials to determine whether they contain extremist ideas.
Authorities also reportedly fear that the rallies may recur this weekend and potentially lead to violence.
Syrer:innen verbringen einen besinnlichen Nachmittag auf dem Essener Weihnachtsmarkt. Darüber regen sich Rechte jetzt auf. pic.twitter.com/zzfJFSTCFx— Ruprecht Parodielenz
