Syrians have recently demonstrated on the streets demanding justice for the death of Mohammad Ghamira, a Syrian man who passed away in a hospital following alleged mistreatment by security forces while in custody. This incident occurred less than two years after the establishment of the new government, which had promised to eradicate the prevailing systemic arbitrary detentions and abuses that were commonplace during the previous regime.
Ghamira’s family informed the police that the 29-year-old, a father of two, suffered from hemophilia, a rare genetic disorder that affects blood clotting, leading to prolonged bleeding. He was detained for three days before being released on August 9 and immediately taken to the hospital, where he passed away a week later.
The death of Ghamira has become a critical test for Syria’s new government to demonstrate its commitment to accountability following the fall of the long-standing Assad regime. It has triggered peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins across the country, shedding light on numerous reports of alleged mistreatment at detention centers since the new government assumed power.
Fadel Abdulghany, the executive director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), emphasized the need for a unified judicially supervised system to govern detention practices and ensure accountability, highlighting the importance of systemic rather than selective justice in the country’s transition.
Ghamira, a former volunteer with the White Helmets, was detained on suspicion of theft, as reported by the Latakia Internal Security Command. Despite his family’s warnings about his medical condition, he was allegedly mistreated while in custody, leading to his unfortunate demise at Latakia University Hospital.
The Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management mourned Ghamira’s death and emphasized the commitment to justice and the rule of law in the new Syria. The investigation into Ghamira’s death led to the detainment of Interior Ministry personnel, with findings revealing that a police interrogator’s actions contributed to Ghamira’s death.
While the government has pledged accountability in this case, rights groups point out that abuses persist in detention centers, calling for transparent investigations, systemic reforms, and preventive measures to end mistreatment and impunity. The need for independent criminal investigations and prosecution, along with public disclosure of findings, is emphasized to ensure justice and prevent recurrence of such tragedies.
