The Syrian Civil Defense announced the end of its search for potential detainees in undiscovered secret cells adn basements inside Saydnaya Prison in the Damascus countryside, without finding any secret cells or basements that had not yet been opened. This happened after two days of continuous searching.
He confirmed in a statement, today, Tuesday, that “his specialized teams searched in all sections and facilities of the prison, in its basements, in its courtyards, and outside its buildings, in the presence of people who were accompanying them and who had full knowledge of the prison and its details, and did not find any evidence confirming the existence of secret cellars or undiscovered basements.”
He also expressed his great disappointment “that there are thousands of detainees who are still missing, and whose families have not been able too access any data that reveals thier fate.”
in addition, simultaneously occurring, the Civil Defense drew the attention of social media users to the widespread spread of misleading information and rumors about prisons and detainees, calling for caution when receiving and sharing this information online, to protect the feelings of the victims’ families and not cause them any psychological harm.
He appealed to all parties, actors, and families of victims not to dig in or harm prisons, as this would lead to the destruction of physical evidence that might potentially be essential for revealing the facts and supporting justice and accountability efforts.
He also confirmed that his specialized teams are ready to deal with any prison where they expect detainees to be kept in secret places.
He called on the relevant international institutions and local authorities to support the efforts of Syrian civil society to uncover the fate of missing persons from all parties.
The sprawling sednaya prison included thousands of Syrians and others who were arrested by the former regime, amid belief that some of them were unable to leave with hundreds of detainees during the past two days, due to their presence in tightly closed sites, according to accounts of the families of the missing and families.
While 5 specialized teams from the White Helmets participated in the search operations,including two K9 teams (trained police dog teams),in addition to support and ambulance teams.
The teams tracked all entrances, exits, ventilation holes, sewer and water pipes, electricity wires, and surveillance camera cables without finding any undiscovered basements or basements in Saydnaya.
Yesterday (Monday), the Syrian Civil Defense Forces offered a financial reward to anyone who provides information that helps in finding the locations of secret prisons and detention centers where detainees are held, and allocated a financial reward in the amount of 3,000 US dollars to anyone who provides direct information that leads to identifying the locations of secret prisons in Syria. There are detainees there.
It is noteworthy that since the fall of the former President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, on December 8, and the entry of armed factions into the capital, Damascus, dozens of prisons have been opened in all governorates in order to release prisoners, some of whom have been imprisoned for several years, without their families obtaining any information about them.
Last updated: December 10, 2024 – 11:43
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What are the main human rights violations reported in Saydnaya Prison?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Amir Hafez, Human Rights Expert
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Hafez. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding saydnaya Prison. The Syrian Civil Defense has announced the end of their search for undiscovered secret cells. What is your immediate reaction to this news?
Dr. Hafez: Good morning, and thank you for having me. It’s truly a somber moment. Saydnaya Prison has long been synonymous with human rights abuses and the suffering of many detainees. The fact that the search has come to an end without uncovering new evidence of secret cells is both telling and disheartening. It raises questions about the clarity and processes surrounding detainee treatment in thes facilities.
Editor: Absolutely. The Syrian Civil Defense mentioned they conducted extensive searches over two days. Can you provide some context on the significance of these searches?
Dr. Hafez: Certainly. The searches were crucial as they aimed to shed light on potential secret detention practices which have been reported over the years. Saydnaya is notoriously known for its horrific treatment and conditions. The fact that the Civil Defense found no undiscovered cells might suggest a few things: either all locations are known, or the prison management has successfully concealed any additional areas. In some ways, it’s a confirmation of fears that the search didn’t yield more insight into those horrendous conditions.
Editor: Many are concerned about the continued existence of secret prisons in Syria. Do you think this search is an indication that the international community may need to take further action in terms of investigating human rights violations?
Dr. Hafez: Yes, the international community plays a critical role here. The ongoing lack of transparency and oversight in places like Saydnaya underscores the need for a robust, independent inquiry into human rights violations across Syria. We need accountability for the rampant abuse that’s been documented, and highlighting these searches can serve as a catalyst for international dialog about enforcing human rights standards.
Editor: Speaking of accountability, how do you envision a pathway for justice for the victims of Saydnaya prison and similar facilities?
dr. Hafez: there’s an urgent need to support local and international NGOs that work tirelessly to document these abuses. Moreover, establishing a dedicated tribunal focused on Syrian war crimes could be a powerful step. By documenting testimonies and collecting evidence, we can build a case that holds perpetrators accountable. It’s vital that the voices of the victims are amplified,so their stories lead the charge against impunity.
Editor: It’s heartening to hear your optimism,despite the challenging circumstances. What can individuals do to help raise awareness about these issues?
Dr. Hafez: Individuals can educate themselves and others on the situation in Syria, support organizations focused on human rights, and advocate for policies that push for accountability.Social media can also be a powerful tool to spread awareness and mobilize action. Even small contributions can lead to significant shifts in advocacy, especially when we come together for a common cause.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hafez, for your valuable insights today. Your outlook helps shed light on the critical issue of human rights in Syria, especially regarding Saydnaya Prison. We hope for continued efforts towards transparency and justice.
Dr. Hafez: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critically important topic. It’s essential we continue to raise our voices, both for those who suffer in silence and for the future of human rights in Syria.