A Syrian police investigator will face prosecution after a detainee with hemophilia died following an interrogation. Mohammad Ghamira, 29, died from complications of a cerebral hemorrhage after being slapped during questioning, despite his condition being known to authorities.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about human rights abuses and accountability within Syria's security forces, even under new authorities, and brings to light the severe consequences of mistreatment in detention facilities, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
A Syrian police investigator is set to face prosecution following the death of a detainee with hemophilia, Mohammad Ghamira, who died from complications of a cerebral hemorrhage after being slapped during an interrogation. Officials announced the initial findings of an inquiry launched by the interior ministry into Ghamira's death.
Ghamira, a 29-year-old father of two and former volunteer with the White Helmets civil defense organization, had been detained days earlier on a theft allegation. His family had informed the police about his hemophilia, a condition that affects blood clotting, and warned against any physical abuse. He died in a hospital in Latakia on Sunday, shortly after his release from jail.
Maj. Gen. Ahmed Latouf, head of the investigative committee, stated that medical experts determined Ghamira's death was due to complications from a cerebral hemorrhage. Investigators found that a police interrogator had slapped Ghamira in the neck despite being aware of his medical condition. The interrogator has been referred to the public prosecution division, and disciplinary investigations into other police personnel are ongoing.
Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab issued a statement emphasizing the ministry's commitment to uncovering the truth and holding accountable those found to have overstepped. He stated that building a state of law requires holding wrongdoers accountable and providing restitution to victims. Rights groups have noted that abuses in detention centers have continued under the current authorities, though one group, Syrians for Truth and Justice, indicated there is no evidence of a centralized torture system comparable to the one under the previous Assad regime.