Syrians from diverse social groups celebrated the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule, with a moment captured in a photo of a young girl posing with Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

After prayers at the Umayyad Mosque on Friday, crowds gathered in a large square nearby to commemorate their victory. Al-Jolani joined the celebrations, allowing many Syrians to take photos with him.

A video surfaced showing a Syrian girl with her hair uncovered asking al-Jolani for a picture. He requested that she cover her hair before the photo was taken, according to media reports.

The girl later clarified on her Instagram that al-Jolani only asked her to cover her hair for the picture, not beforehand. She noted that many women and girls participated in the celebration without wearing mandatory hijabs, emphasising that there were “no restrictions” on personal freedoms. She expressed her gratitude to the rebels for “bringing freedom” to the people.

Al-Jolani stated after the formation of the interim government that no one has the authority to limit individuals’ personal freedoms.

He emphasised that any interference with women’s attire or the imposition of appearance-related requirements is “strictly” prohibited. Al-Jolani added that “personal freedom is a right for all, and respecting individual rights is essential for a civilised society.”

The US and other Western governments classify HTS as a terrorist group due to its roots in Al-Qaeda’s Syria branch.

The designation severely impedes the activities of businesses and aid workers who risk falling foul of US law enforcement if they are seen as directly supporting a terrorist group.