Sheikh Ali Mohammad Halhal, head of the Alawite Council in the city of Tartus in western Syria, has been released after being detained for more than two months, following his participation in demonstrations that took place in the Syrian coastal regions in late December 2025.
On 28 December 2025, General Security forces affiliated with the interim authority arrested Sheikh Halhal in connection with his participation in peaceful protests that took place in several cities along the Syrian coast. These demonstrations were considered part of a broader civil protest movement known as the “Dignity Flood.”
Following those demonstrations, the Syrian coastal region witnessed a wave of arrests carried out by security forces affiliated with the de facto authorities, targeting activists and civilians from the Alawite community due to their participation in the peaceful protests. Among those detained is Aktham Deeb, known by the nickname “Abu Lamak,” a Syrian writer and political and civil activist from the Alawite community. He is known for his public activity on social media and for his political and civic advocacy. He remains in detention at the time of preparing this report.
