Former Hostage Accuses Syrian President of Fostering 'Genocidal Culture'

A journalist held captive by al-Qaeda's Syrian branch has accused President Ahmed al-Sharaa of creating a "genocidal culture" against minorities. Theo Padnos made the statement in an interview with FRANCE 24. Padnos was captured and held for nearly two years in prisons run by Jabhat al-Nusra. He says al-Sharaa pursued indiscriminate killings while leading jihadist groups. Padnos described Syria's current leadership as "a fox in the henhouse." He alleges the president fostered an environment that targeted minority groups during his earlier militant career.