Syrian returnee from Germany tortured to death in Damascus

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. While his family received his body bearing clear signs of torture, including bruises and various wounds, the Ministry of Interior of the transitional government issued a statement described by the family as "ridiculous." 

The head of internal security in Damascus, Brigadier General Osama Mohammed Khair Atkeh, claimed that the young man was in an "unstable psychological state" and that he entered the Umayyad Mosque "delirious" before "harming himself" while detained in a guard room.

The official narrative, which appeared to be fabricated to cover up a documented crime, ignored the family’s testimonies and medical evidence, and contradicted the context of dozens of similar cases.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented the deaths of 45 people under torture since the beginning of the year, most of them from Homs province.

 Instead of launching a serious investigation and holding those responsible accountable, the authorities continue to provide fabricated narratives to evade responsibility, in a scene reminiscent of the worst practices of Syrian security forces during the previous era.

Al-Labbad’s return from Germany, which he hoped would allow him to settle his family affairs, ended in a silent funeral and a disfigured body, while the authorities continue to justify repression rather than face accountability.

a.k

ANHA