Former British citizen Tauqir Sharif has been arrested by Jolani’s HTS. The timing is interesting HTS has been arresting people over the past few days. There seems to be no apparent reason as to why he has been arrested though rumours abound on SM.
2. I am speculating: Is this a new trend of of HTS trying to become a ‘respectable’ actor, as an outlier of Turkish power like Northern Cyprus? Is it cleaning house, removing and arresting those muhajireen it deems to politically undesirable so Jolani can get into a suit?
3. Or is it a case that it is gathering evidence? What ever it is doing? Sharif’s arrest raises some important questions for all concerned HTS, Turkey and of course the British government.
4. This seems to be the reason: nothing has been established or proven against Tauqir Sharif. 
5. Abu Malik Tali hooking up with Hurras - an AQ affiliate has certainly rattled HTS
6. Someone who knows better on the intra-factional infighting in Idlib- informative thread:
8. In this account below by Shajul Islam regarding Tauqir Sharif’s arrest speaks volumes about the situation in Idlib currently and intra-factional politics within.
9. What is going on here, and am again speculating, but a fight for the heart of HTS- between traditional Jihadis who want to follow the old ways and an impetus to adapt and become a respectable state actor which other international partners can deal with.
10. If that means shutting down muhajireen and veteran jihadis then to survive and become acceptable perhaps Jolani is willing to pay that price.
11. I interviewed Abu Qatadah recently, asked him whether HTS and Jolani's evolution was right. He was positive about it. The priority he believed was to preserve this jihadi rump state.
12. Abu Qatadah believed, that no change could be had unless there was a regional change over all so Jolani had to play a waiting game. So if that meant becoming respectable then so be it. In fact, he wanted believed one had to abandon the AQ vision and allow Idlib to germinate
13. So Jolani putting on a suit does not mean that he's necessarily abandoned the Jihadi project. But whether that convinces his supporters and veterans remains to be seen.
14. HTS media office have purportedly released a statement regarding Tauqir or Tox Sharif below:
15. Second part of HTS statement that alleges “mismanagement of relief funds”. HTS says it’s a live investigation. Nothing has been proven or established. If true though then it will have far reaching consequences for UK Faith Based Organisations in Syria and Atmah camp
Here is the arabic article on arrest for those interested: baladi-news.com/ar/articles/62…
17. This thread is so poorly numbered I have to apologise.
18. This thread by Abu Qatadah below epitomises the discussions between those that want to continue the ‘Jihad against the Russians’ NB nod to Afghanistan (again) and those who wants to state build.
19. Of course not the purpose promote him in this thread but rather to show where Jihadism is. It seems like it is at a cross roads between trying to be ‘respectable’ and going back to its calling. But Abu Q is still seen as a reference point amongst jihadists hence thread.
20. Update: Regarding Tauqir or Tox Sharif’s arrest I approached director of press office HTS Taqiudin Omar: he said “Yes, it is true, that Sharif was arrested, and it is to be investigated due to allegations made against him. Of course he is innocent until proven guilty.”
21. Mr Omar cont:
“He faces two charges,
First: mismanagement of aid funds (meaning financial corruption) The second: Using aid money to support projects that results discrimination and incite defections from large blocs, which is a dangerous issue in the liberated areas..”
“He faces two charges,
First: mismanagement of aid funds (meaning financial corruption) The second: Using aid money to support projects that results discrimination and incite defections from large blocs, which is a dangerous issue in the liberated areas..”
22. “...(cont) this results in instability of security, sows discord and encourages problems, which we do not want to happen in our area...” He also adds the following regarding Tox or Tauqir Sharif...
23. “I affirm that the authority concerned with arresting Tauqir treats him as innocent until proven otherwise. If he does not prove any of these allegations, he will be released.” -End
24. Further to that I am querying whether there will be an official press release from HTS. If this case will go to an open and transparent court. Will he be given legal representation? Will we see the evidence? What will be the consequences if the charges are proven to be true?
25. Update: with regards Tox Or Tauqir Sharif fate: HTS media office director Mr Taqiudin Omar told me: “If Abu Hussam [Sharif] is found guilty of any charges, he will be dealt with according to the judicial system, then he will be referred to the judiciary to deal with his case”
26. When I asked HTS director if an official release from HTS is forthcoming regarding Tauqir Sharif’s arrest will be forth coming. Mr. Omar said: “My statement, which was published by one of the media outlets is my statement, and therefore it is an official statement”
27. This is great little thread on the infighting between HTS and other rebel factions by @hxhassan
28. See here for release:
29. This is interesting family of Tauqir or Tox Sharif has released a press statement below:
30. In a new development re: Tauqir Sharif’s detention Hani al-Sibai has called on HTS for his release. Presumably due to his standing as a Jihadi cleric. (see below cf @azelin). In West he is seen as a hate preacher. Designated by US for links to Egyptian Islamic Jihad & AQ.
