Hundreds of Syrian Christians Protest in Damascus Against New Alcohol Sales Restrictions

Hundreds of Syrian Christians demonstrated in central Damascus against new government restrictions on alcohol sales. The protesters, who belong to Syria's Christian minority community, also expressed frustration that the government is failing to address their broader concerns and problems. The demonstrations highlight growing tensions between Syria's new Islamist-led authorities and religious minorities following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's secular government. Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Syria's population, have expressed concerns about their future under the new administration led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that has sought to reassure minorities about their rights and freedoms.