Walid Barakat's release highlights the long-standing issue of political prisoners in Syria, particularly those detained during the Lebanon War.
The emotional impact of Barakat's imprisonment on his family underscores the human cost of political repression.
Barakat's case may draw attention to the need for international advocacy for other prisoners still held in Syrian jails.
A Palestinian man from Jerusalem, Walid Barakat, has been released after over 42 years of imprisonment in Syrian regime prisons. Barakat, who was arrested in 1982 at the age of 26, was finally freed and reunited with his family in Jordan. His release marks a significant moment for his family, who had long awaited news of his fate, as he had been held in solitary confinement for 14 years and was subjected to severe conditions during his imprisonment. Upon his release, Barakat expressed his desire to return with honor and dignity, emphasizing the humiliating treatment often faced by prisoners upon release. His family, particularly his nephew Khalil, facilitated his return to Jordan, where he is now working on obtaining new identification documents. The emotional reunion was marked by reflections on the years lost and the changes experienced by both Barakat and his family during his absence.
