Syrian Activist: Detainee file used for political pressure

The issue of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons continues to occupy Syrian public opinion, following the agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian interim government on January 29 of this year, amid growing questions about the delay in fully implementing the release provisions.

In this context, Syrian activist Ali Al-Amin Al-Suwaid stated that the interim government is deliberately refraining from releasing all detainees requested by the Syrian Democratic Forces, attributing this to considerations related to “the government’s image and prestige before its supporters,” noting that releases occur in limited batches from time to time.

Al-Suwaid added that the government has not disclosed details of the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces, fearing “negative reactions from its popular base and from some military formations, including tribes and public security forces, which suffered losses during the recent battles.”

He pointed out that the government will not release all detainees at once for two main reasons: first, to retain some as a bargaining chip in case of potential amendments to the agreement, which he believes limits the powers of the transitional president; and second, to avoid appearing as a weak party responding to pressure.

Al-Suwaid concluded by suggesting that detainees will likely be released gradually as external pressure increases.

On the ground, the third batch of prisoners arrived in the city of Hasakah on March 19, consisting of 300 individuals, as part of the implementation of the agreement. The second batch had arrived on March 10 and included 100 individuals.

This comes amid hopes from families that upcoming phases will include the release of more prisoners and the return of missing persons to their families, while cities in Rojava have recently witnessed daily protests organized by families of detainees, along with political activists and civil society representatives, condemning what they describe as delays in implementing the release clause despite the signed agreement.

It is worth noting that these prisoners are fighters who were captured during their withdrawal from certain positions, in accordance with the understandings reached between the interim government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

ANHA