Thousands of bewildered prisoners walked out of Syrian detention centers on dec 8th‚ marking an un-expected end to the Assad-era incarceration system. The mass-release happened after Bashar al-Assadʼs government lost its grip on power during an eight-day up-rising
Freed detainees ran through Damascus streets showing fingers to count their prison years; some didnt even know what was happening outside. “We toppled the regime“ someone shouted while others jumped with joy (many still carrying their few belongings in small bags). The break-out started when anti-government forces opened facilities across the country: including the feared Sednaya prison
At various locations rebels had to shoot-off locks and break down doors to reach prisoners. The scenes were extra-ordinary; newly-freed people rushed through corridors while others helped break more cells open. In one case an elderly mother drove from Jordan to meet her son who spent about 14 years behind bars
The prison system under the Assad family rule was known for its harsh methods: international groups documented wide-spread mis-treatment of inmates. Many families never got information about their jailed relatives; some were told years later that their loved ones had died. The US found proof in 2017 that Sednaya had special equipment to dispose of prisoners bodies
A military photographer named Caesar who left Syria around ten years ago brought evidence of prison conditions:
- Thousands of pictures showing torture marks
- Photos of starved prisoners
- Documents about systematic abuse
- Proof of un-reported deaths
Early morning videos showed groups walking towards Damascus carrying sacks on their backs - chanting and celebrating their new-found freedom