Jordanian Salafist leader Mohammad Al-Shalabi, better known as Abu Sayyaf, has told Arabstoday that around 50 Salafists have been killed in the Syrian conflict. The militant leader added that more than 500 Jordanian Salafists are fighting in Syria. Briefly commenting on plans to protest for the release of Salafist prisoners, Abu Sayyaf said several sit-ins are planned, with final details to be confirmed. Abu Sayyaf claimed that the health of prisoner Ahmed al-Tahawi, commonly known as Abu Jaafar, is deteriorating every day, and that he has been transferred from prison to hospital on more than once occasion. The Salafist leader argued that Abu Jaafar is innocent, and that his detention is illegal.