Former Detainees Share Harrowing Experiences at Syria's Palestine Branch
In the aftermath of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, former detainees have begun to recount their traumatic experiences at the Palestine Branch of Syrian military intelligence in Damascus. Mohammed Darwish, who spent over 120 days in Cell No. 9, described the overwhelming sense of despair that permeated the underground facility, which was notorious for housing individuals accused of terrorism. The conditions were dire, with cramped spaces filled with tuberculosis patients and a pervasive stench of mold and sewage.
Darwish, who was imprisoned in 2018 for allegedly financing terrorism, recalled the severe beatings and psychological torment he endured. He noted, "They used to tell me that a gunman kills one person with a bullet, while with my word I kill thousands." After being released, he expressed a deep sense of hopelessness and called for an end to arbitrary detention in Syria.
The Search for Missing Loved Ones
Since the regime's collapse, the Palestine Branch has become a site of pilgrimage for former inmates and families searching for missing relatives. Many have flocked to the facility, now devoid of security personnel, in hopes of uncovering documents that might lead to their loved ones. Adham Bajbouj, who was imprisoned for defecting from the army, returned to confront his fears and shared his harrowing experience of forced labor and torture during his 35-day detention.
Visitors have discovered remnants of the past, including scattered military uniforms and burnt documents, suggesting a frantic attempt by officials to destroy evidence before fleeing. Wael Saleh, another former inmate, lamented the lasting impact of his imprisonment, stating, "Even now, I am a criminal of terrorism." The testimonies of these individuals highlight the urgent need for accountability and justice in the wake of the Assad regime's oppressive rule.
