Syrians have demonstrated this week seeking justice for Mohammad Ghamira, a Syrian man who passed away in a hospital after allegedly suffering mistreatment by security forces during his detention. The incident occurred less than two years following the new government’s commitment to ending the prevalent arbitrary detentions and abuse under the previous regime. Ghamira’s family informed the authorities that the 29-year-old, a father of two, had hemophilia, a genetic disorder affecting blood clotting. Despite this, he was detained for three days, released on August 9, and promptly admitted to the hospital, where he passed away a week later.
The Syrian government faces a crucial test of its accountability promises after the ousting of the Assad regime, which ruled for over five decades. Ghamira’s death has triggered peaceful protests and sit-ins across the country, shedding light on various alleged mistreatments at detention facilities under the new government’s administration. Fadel Abdulghany, the Executive Director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), emphasized the need for a unified, judicially supervised system to address detention practices.
Ghamira, a former volunteer with the White Helmets, was detained over an allegation of theft by the Latakia Internal Security Command. Despite his family’s warnings about his medical condition, including hemophilia, he was reportedly mistreated while in custody. Following his release, Ghamira succumbed to his injuries at Latakia University Hospital.
The government initiated an investigation into Ghamira’s death, leading to the detention of seven Interior Ministry personnel for questioning. The investigation revealed that a police interrogator had struck Ghamira during questioning, resulting in his fatal cerebral hemorrhage. The interrogator is now facing prosecution, with ongoing disciplinary investigations against other involved police personnel.
Rights groups have criticized the government’s findings, suggesting that systemic reforms are necessary to prevent future abuses in detention centers. The call for an independent and transparent investigation, release of findings, and official apology to Ghamira’s family has been echoed by advocacy organizations. Despite promises of accountability, reports indicate ongoing abuses in detention centers, underscoring the need for comprehensive reform to eradicate mistreatment and ensure justice in Syria.