Media reporting on Al-Bouti

The title: “Leading pro-Assad cleric killed in Damascus bombing”

“A top Syrian cleric was killed Thursday in a large explosion that hit a mosque in the center of the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria’s state television reported.

…

*Sheikh al-Bouti, the Syrian Sunni cleric who stood by Assad” The report.

Notice how the report focuses on the fact that the cleric used to support the regime. And it also links it – in bold letters –  with another report that talks about the cleric’s stance.

The message to be conveyed is as follows: “Yes, Al-B0uti was killed, but remember: he used to support the regime. So killing him is permissible”.