Killing of man in Syria sparks widespread reaction, investigation committee formed 

Young man Mohammad Hossam al-Din Ghamira, from the city of al-Haffa in the Latakia countryside, died after a severe deterioration in his health while being held at the al-Haffa police station over a financial complaint, in an incident that has sparked widespread public and media outrage.

Ghamira died Sunday, August 16, at Tishreen University Hospital in Latakia. He suffered from hemophilia, a disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot and increases the risk of bleeding and related complications.

Photos and information about his health condition after he was released from detention sparked widespread public anger and reactions, particularly as allegations circulated that he had been beaten while in custody. Calls were made for a transparent and independent investigation to determine the causes of his deteriorating health and establish responsibility for the incident.

Syrian media outlets covered the case extensively before official authorities intervened and announced an investigation.

Following the incident, the Internal Security Command in Latakia province announced the detention of seven people who were present at the al-Haffa police station during Ghamira’s detention. They were placed under investigation to determine the circumstances of his detention, the measures taken against him and the details surrounding the case.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab also issued a decision to form a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ghamira’s death and determine the causes and conditions surrounding it.

The committee is headed by Interior Ministry Assistant for Police Affairs Maj. Gen. Ahmad Mohammad Latouf and includes the minister’s adviser for legal affairs and human rights, Brig. Gen. Samer Mahmoud al-Hussein; Director of the Department of Disciplinary Cases and Prosecutions, Brig. Gen. Muath Khaled al-Jammal; and Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, Brig. Gen. Hussein Alawi al-Hammadi. The decision gave the committee 72 hours to submit its findings and authorized it to seek assistance from anyone it deems appropriate to complete its work.

In comments on the incident, the interior minister said that any violation or misconduct proven to have been committed by ministry personnel “will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the laws and procedures in force,” stressing that anyone found responsible will face the appropriate punishment once the investigations are completed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management announced that it was following up on the case. Minister Raed al-Saleh said Ghamira, who had been a member of the ministry’s staff, died from complications resulting from a brain hemorrhage and bleeding in his digestive system. He noted that the young man suffered from hemophilia.

In al-Haffa, community leaders and residents held a meeting attended by the police chief, his deputy and the head of the intelligence branch to discuss the circumstances surrounding Ghamira’s death. His uncle, Dr. Issam Ghamira, director of al-Haffa General Hospital, said the family trusts the judiciary and is awaiting the investigation’s findings and justice for the deceased and his family in accordance with the law. He called for the case to be addressed through legal channels while maintaining calm and stability.

The direct responsibility for Ghamira’s death and the circumstances surrounding the deterioration of his health remain under investigation, pending the findings of the Interior Ministry’s committee as well as medical and judicial reports, which are expected to definitively determine the cause of death and whether any violations occurred during his detention.

A-H 

ANHA