In the streets of Damascus, families gather to mourn their missing loved ones, who were often arrested and tortured by the defunct Syrian prison system. Roughly 100,000 people are believed to be missing, with locals estimating that number is far higher.
Many were detained for criticizing the regime or for perceived dissent. The most common cause of arrest was a real or perceived criticism of the government. The former president, Bashar al-Assad, fled Syria as rebels swept through the country, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unmarked graves.
Hiba al-Sadfy, whose husband spent three years in prison, said her family is among the lucky ones who hasn’t lost anyone. Despite his ordeal, he still carries physical scars from torture, including marks on his wrists and lines on his back from whipping.
A recent funeral for Mazen al-Hamada, a young man who died in prison after years of torture, drew thousands to mourn. Hamada’s story is one of many, as the human brain struggles to comprehend the brutal treatment meted out by the regime.
The Syrian people have welcomed a new era of freedom, with the rebels taking over key cities and imposing their own flag on the streets. However, the transition has brought uncertainty and fear, with some warning of retribution against those who spoke out against the regime.
For Imad al-Sawa, 20, returning to Syria after three years as a refugee has been a difficult journey. He said his experience abroad was bleak, but being back in Syria, he feels like he’s lost his soul.
Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/7903308.html