There they are, safely huddled in Damascus’ central district. The nuns were once the stars in the action-filled adventure, treading through the hell of Syrian war, dragged across the wide landscape and kept silent in the middle of nowhere with the occasional video popping out from time to time.

Sister Bilajia Siaf appeared to the media, denying claims that they were imprisoned following the endeavors of the Qatari prince to free them and the good treatment they had received from Nusra Front members; a comment that sparked outrage among Regime supporters.

Siaf informed al-Sharq al-Awsat that the nuns were well and leading a normal life until circumstances become adequate for them to return to their Maaloula monastery. When asked about her comments, she clarified that they were passed on to her prior to their release and were dictated by a Lebanese Major General, who, just before reaching the Lebanese borders, asked her to thank President Bashar al-Assad, Qatari Prince Sheikh Tamim Ben Khalifa II and Director General of public Security Major General Abbass Ibrahim.

“I was handed a bag bearing the picture of Our Lady of Harissa, containing crosses; a gift sent by Major General Abbass Ibrahim asking us to wear them,” added Siaf.

Sister Siaf depicted the exchange process as “very tough,” most notably due to the last minute hindrance when the head opposition operative demanded an al-Qaeda-linked family be freed from Syrian prisons. However, as soon as an LAF officer contested said request, the operative then dismissed the exchange process telling the LAF to slaughter the family while they blow the nuns into oblivion. The situation was then set straight as a Qatari mediator intervened, hence finding a way out for both parties.

“Some people’s anger as to my comments are well justified, since the Nusra front is against the Syrian Regime,” Siaf said, “however, I feel obliged to confess before God and speak truth, for the Nusra front did treat us very well, not because they were good, since they had committed atrocious things to others … yet, it was different with us, probably because we were part of a negotiation process.” The nun carried on.

While in captivity a younger Nusra front member, who allegedly raised his voice was punished by Abu Azzam by having him shave his beard, said Siaf.

Sister Bilajia Siaf: “Nuns do not usually wear crosses, except for the head nun, I had removed mine weeks prior to the abduction.”