The Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) operating in the city of Idlib in northern Syria has issued a decision preventing the organization of any event without its approval, addressing all government bodies and civil institutions.

In the decision published today, Thursday, August 29, it stated that no event can be held without obtaining approval from the Events Office of the General Directorate of Political Affairs under its authority.

It justified the decision by saying it comes in the interest of the public good, aiming to organize activities and prevent any violations, urging adherence to and compliance with the decision under penalty of responsibility.

The Salvation Government did not specify the nature of events that require its approval.

This decision comes three days after an event organized by the Violet organization for the Paralympic Games at the Municipal stadium in Idlib, which sparked widespread controversy, creating a divide between supporters, critics, and opponents.

The event held on August 26 included a celebratory festival with torch carrying and illuminations that some considered against the culture, norms, and customs, resembling Western traditions, and using symbols that do not suit or represent the community. Legal scholars and clerics described it as “objectionable and blasphemous.”

On the other hand, others considered it an opportunity and gesture to draw attention to northern Syria by linking the event to a global sports event and promoting social integration for people with special needs.

After the event, the Salvation Government issued a statement saying what happened at the event was against culture, customs, and traditions. The organization was summoned, warned, and directed to suspend all activities.

The region is witnessing instances of criticism, attacks, and calls for the closure of events and shops due to alleged violations of religious standards, such as gender mixing, presence of hookahs, and failure to take measures to prevent gender mixing.

At the beginning of this year, Enab Baladi obtained an unofficial copy of the Public Morality Law from the Salvation Government, containing 128 articles. It is divided into five chapters, including a set of rules and regulations related to the ethical and behavioral system of the community members in Idlib, which it said was a draft and not final.

The chapter on public decency violations includes the prohibition of gender mixing unless it is proven that they are close relatives, and a ban on musical instruments and audiovisual performances deemed “contrary to religion and public taste.”

Smoking is prohibited in public and service institutions, hospitals, medical centers, pharmacies, and means of transport.

Displaying “indecent” commercial goods in shop windows, and standing in front of schools, institutes, universities, and places specific to women, in a manner contrary to community norms, is also prohibited.

The Salvation Government, composed of 11 ministries, controls the aspects of life in Idlib province and part of northern Hama countryside and part of western Aleppo countryside, both administratively and in terms of services, while Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) indirectly controls the region economically and in terms of services.