DNA Test Reveals Identity of Jordanian Released from Sednaya Prison
A Jordanian man, Bashir Al-Batayneh, who had been detained for 40 years in Sednaya prison, has returned to Jordan but not as the family he thought he belonged to. Despite the initial hope that he might be Osama Bishr Al-Batayneh, a Jordanian missing since 1986, DNA tests confirmed he is not related to the Batayneh family. The former Minister of Labor, Nidal Al-Batayneh, announced the results, leading to a mix of joy and disappointment for the family, who had hoped to reunite with their long-lost son.
The story of Al-Batayneh gained significant attention on social media after he was freed during a recent assault on Sednaya prison by Syrian opposition forces. Eyewitnesses reported that he was in a severely deteriorated state, suffering from amnesia and only able to recall the name of his hometown, Irbid, and the name of former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. His condition is attributed to the extensive torture he endured while imprisoned.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had initially confirmed that the released detainee was Osama Al-Batayneh, based on information provided by his family. However, the subsequent DNA test results dashed the family's hopes of reuniting with their son, who they believed had been lost for decades. The emotional toll on the family was immense, as they had anticipated a joyful reunion after years of uncertainty.
Sednaya Prison and Its Infamous Reputation
Sednaya prison, often referred to as the
human slaughterhouse,
Red Prison,
is notorious for its brutal treatment of detainees. The facility has been the site of horrific torture practices, overcrowding, and severe human rights abuses. The prison gained international notoriety following reports of mass executions and inhumane conditions, particularly highlighted during the uprising against the Assad regime.
On December 8, 2024, Syrian opposition forces successfully stormed Sednaya prison, liberating all detainees and marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in Syria. This event coincided with the opposition's announcement of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which has been in power for over a decade. The fall of the Assad regime has raised hopes for many families of missing persons, although the case of Bashir Al-Batayneh serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and tragedies that arise from prolonged conflict.
