Official statements from the Syrian government or state media

Syrian Military Detention Facilities Reveal Torture, 30 Detainees in Toilets, and 11,000 Tortured Deaths

Dec 13, 2024, 11:39 AM

Recent investigations into the detention facilities operated by the Syrian military have revealed harrowing accounts of torture and inhumane conditions. Journalists have reported that detainees were held in cramped spaces, with as many as 30 individuals confined to small restrooms. Former prisoners have recounted experiences of severe torture during their captivity under the Assad regime, which has been known to imprison citizens critical of the government. A notable case is that of Mazen Al-Hamada, whose body was discovered at Sednaya prison, highlighting the brutal treatment of thousands who have been detained since the uprising against Assad's rule began in 2011. Reports indicate that the regime's prisons, particularly Sednaya, are infamous for their harsh conditions, including unsanitary environments and a lack of basic necessities like mattresses. Allegations of executions and deaths due to torture have been substantiated by various sources, including a recent report that suggests the regime's forces may be responsible for the deaths of approximately 11,000 individuals through torture. The release of the 'Caesar Files' has reignited attention on these abuses, as they document the atrocities committed within the regime's detention facilities.