Human Rights Watch on Monday (January 28th) accused Tahrir al-Sham of using "torture" against activists opposing its rule, AFP reported.

The rights group said it documented 11 cases in which the extremist alliance "detained Idlib residents, apparently because of their peaceful work documenting abuses or protesting the group's rule".

"Six of those detained were apparently tortured," including a 16-year-old boy, the watchdog said.

"One man described being hung from a pole upside down for hours during interrogation," it said.

Another said he was locked up in something resembling a coffin for three hours, while a third said he was pushed through a tyre and beaten incessantly.

Seven interviewed by HRW said they were media activists or journalists who had participated in or covered protests against Tahrir al-Sham, or were working with foreign media.

Four were made to sign a document pledging they would no longer film or report on the extremist alliance.

The rights group called for the immediate release of all unlawfully held prisoners, including four still being held or missing among the 11 cases documented.