Thousands of prisoners were released from Syrian jails on Sunday, in a dramatic turn of events following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government. Many families have been reunited with loved ones who vanished years ago, sparking scenes of joy and relief.
Human rights groups have long reported widespread torture under the Assad dynasty, which ruled Syria for five decades. Families were often told nothing about their relatives’ fate, fueling hopes that many had been executed or died in detention.
As insurgents seized cities across Syria, prisons became a key target. The notorious prisons at Sednaya and Mezzeh air base were finally opened on Sunday morning, unleashing a wave of jubilation among the freed prisoners.
In one video verified by Reuters, newly released prisoners ran through Damascus streets, holding up their fingers to show how many years they had been imprisoned. Many seemed unaware that Assad’s regime had fallen, with some shouting “We toppled the regime!” in excitement.
Families have long feared the worst for their loved ones, who were often held in detention camps where international human rights groups say torture was widespread. The release of thousands of prisoners is a significant blow to the Assad regime and marks a new era for Syria.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/bewildered-elated-prisoners-pour-out-assads-jails-flung-open-2024-12-08