Al Jazeera Investigates the Horrors of the Palestine Security Branch in Damascus
Al Jazeera has conducted an in-depth investigation into the notorious "Palestine Security Branch," also known as Branch 235, affiliated with the Syrian Military Intelligence. This facility, established in 1970, has gained infamy as one of the most brutal torture sites in Syria. Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, numerous detainees managed to escape, yet the fate of thousands remains unknown.
During a recent tour of the facility, Al Jazeera correspondent Amr Halabi revealed the grim realities within its walls. The complex consists of two large buildings, which were transformed into torture chambers under the late President Hafez al-Assad. The conditions within the prison are harrowing, with dark cells and secret underground basements that hold detainees in appalling circumstances. Halabi described the atmosphere as terrifying, with many rooms resembling "coffin rooms" due to their confined spaces.
The prison houses a diverse group of detainees, including women, children, and the elderly, all subjected to inhumane treatment. Witnesses recounted being arrested as children and spending formative years in captivity. Al Jazeera's footage depicted the squalid conditions, including high humidity, foul odors, and walls marked with the names and dates of prisoners, a haunting testament to their suffering.
In a chilling discovery, the correspondent found a warehouse filled with photographs and names of prisoners, including university students and individuals arrested on dubious charges such as terrorism. The facility had been vandalized prior to the regime's withdrawal, leaving behind a grim legacy of violence and oppression. The opposition's military operations department is now working to document the fates of these detainees and hold accountable those responsible for the widespread torture.
The investigation highlights the plight of individuals from various nationalities, including Palestinians, Jordanians, Lebanese, Turks, and Africans, who have suffered under this brutal regime. Al Jazeera's findings underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of the Syrian civil war.
