Anna Neistat, a researcher who has interviewed the captives and the rebels-turned-jailers, said that an entirely new form of justice, heavily reliant on Islamic law, was emerging in the area. "They are clear that they are applying Islamic law. The [rebels'] legal representatives mentioned that those that are convicted face fines, imprisonment and lashes," said Miss Neistat, who is working in rebel-held areas of northern Syria. "But they also say that it's a transitional moment and a great deal remains to be worked out."