“Hisba Apparatus” of ISIS mercenaries returns to Euphrates University in Deir ez-Zor

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported observing the presence of a group of individuals wearing clothing indicating strict religious ideology inside Euphrates University in Deir ez-Zor, within areas controlled by the Interim Government in Syria. These individuals were seen in the corridors of faculties, lecture halls, university gates, and courtyards.

According to the Observatory, these individuals have been engaging in what it described as intimidating practices toward male and female students, including the “temporary detention” of a student for wearing tight pants, and banning smoking on campus through coercive and persuasive methods.

This sparked widespread resentment among students, who recalled the period of ISIS control between 2014 and 2015.

Sources confirmed that the presence of these individuals—posing as “preachers”—in universities and schools, and their interference in administrative, educational, and public matters, has negatively affected teachers, administrators, and students. The situation is increasingly being described as a revival of what was previously known as the “Hisba apparatus” during ISIS rule.

Meanwhile, Deir ez-Zor city is witnessing a noticeable deterioration in security, including the spread of drugs and a rise in the number of users. Neighborhoods such as Al-Joura, Tahtouh, Al-Jaz, and Al-Qusour have become hotspots for growing gang-like groups, increased harassment incidents, and frequent fights. Hardly a day passes without injuries due to widespread weapons and the absence of effective security oversight, according to the Observatory.

ANHA