SYRIA: An al-Qaida-linked group that dominates much of rebel-held north-western Syria freed one of its founders today after he spent months in jail on suspicion of having links with forces outside the country.

The release of Maysara al-Jubouri, better known as Abu Maria al-Qahtani, appears to be a bid by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s top leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani to appease the public as many peope have protested over the past week, demanding his departure and the freeing of detainees.

Hundreds marched today in a show of defiance to Mr Golani.