Syrian Detainee's Death Reignites Fears of Torture Under New Government

The death of a 29-year-old detainee in Syria has reignited public anguish over torture and abuse in the country's detention centers, raising difficult questions about whether the practices of the ousted Assad regime have truly ended.

Mohammad Ghamira, a father of two and former volunteer with the White Helmets civil defense group, died in a Latakia hospital on Sunday, just days after his arrest. He was buried Monday in his hometown of al-Haffah. His death has sparked protests and a wave of outrage on social media, with many Syrians demanding accountability.

Ghamira suffered from hemophilia, a condition that prevents blood from clotting normally. His uncle, Issam Ghamira, said the family had informed the local police chief of this condition and explicitly warned against any physical force. Despite this, he alleged, his nephew was beaten while in custody.

Syria's Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, a former head of the White Helmets, stated that Ghamira died from complications of cerebral and gastrointestinal hemorrhaging resulting from a beating he sustained at the al-Haffah police station. Latakia's internal security command said the arrest was related to an allegation of theft, without providing further details.

The interim government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has promised a full investigation. The interior ministry announced that seven personnel have been detained for questioning. A ministry spokesperson acknowledged "shortcomings and deficiencies" in some police departments, expressing hope that the incident would be a catalyst for positive change.

However, human rights groups argue this is not an isolated case. A March report by a UN commission documented torture and ill-treatment in 18 official and 12 makeshift detention facilities between January and October 2025. The practices included beatings with various implements, electric shocks, mock executions, and sexual violence.

A report by the group Syrians for Truth and Justice found that severe beatings and deaths in custody remain common across multiple security forces. While the group's executive director noted the abuses are widespread, he said there is no evidence of a centralized torture apparatus like the one under Assad, but stressed the authorities have a responsibility to stop the behavior.

For families who lost loved ones under the former regime, the news is deeply disturbing. The group Families for Freedom said Ghamira's death reopens wounds of torture and death in detention for thousands of families, stating that the recurrence of such practices cannot be accepted today.