Prisoners issue remains unresolved despite approach of Eid al-Adha

The issue of prisoners held by the Syrian Interim Government remains unresolved, despite the passage of four months since the January 29 agreement and with less than a week until Eid al-Adha on May 27.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, confirmed in a previous interview with ANHA agency that the prisoner issue continues to be used as a bargaining chip. He indicated that the agreement concerning this matter has not yet been implemented, despite the integration phase underway.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the number of prisoners still held in the Interim Government's prisons is approximately 400, including SDF fighters and civilians.

The first exchange took place on March 10, involving 100 prisoners for 100. The second exchange occurred on March 19, involving 300 prisoners for 300. The third exchange took place on April 11, during which 400 people were released by the Interim Government in exchange for 91 by the SDF.

The fourth batch of prisoners was released on May 8th, including 232 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces and a number of civilians, as part of the implementation of the agreement reached between the two sides on January 29th.

Presidential spokesperson Ahmed al-Hilali had previously stated to a media outlet that work was ongoing to finalize the prisoner exchange before Eid al-Adha, reiterating that Damascus was currently conducting a final census of prisoners and detainees in preparation for closing the file.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Defense in the Interim Government for Eastern Region Affairs, Sipan Hamo (Samir Ousso), confirmed in previous statements to ANHA agency that exploiting or inciting the families of prisoners was "not acceptable," emphasizing that the relevant authorities were working through official channels and at the ministerial level to find a solution to this issue, and describing the prisoner exchange mechanism as "flawed."

Cities in NE Syria, particularly in Jazera and Kobani, have been witnessing daily protests by the families of prisoners since January 29, demanding the release of their sons and the acceleration of the implementation of the prisoner exchange clause.

Sh-S

ANHA