Syria regime used over 70 methods of torture across 50 detention centres – Report

A view of dead bodies, who were tortured to death, at Al-Mujtahid Hospital as teams carry out investigation in secret compartments at Sednaya Prison after the fall of the Assad regime in Damascus, Syria on December 10, 2024 [İzettin Kasım – Anadolu Agency]

A recent report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights has revealed that Bashar Al-Assad’s regime has employed more than 72 distinct methods of torture against countless detainees in over 50 prisons and detention centres throughout Syria. The findings indicate that approximately 1.2 million Syrians have been arrested, many enduring various forms of brutal treatment.

The report categorises detention facilities into three main types: civilian and military prisons, secret unofficial detention centres and interrogation sites linked to security forces. These facilities are distributed across all governorates in the country. Notably, the Assad regime has established clandestine sites specifically designed for the torture of political opponents, particularly under the Fourth Division led by Maher Al-Assad, Bashar’s brother.

In addition to conventional prisons, some homes and playgrounds were repurposed as makeshift detention centres, especially during early 2012. Significant involvement from four primary intelligence agencies is also highlighted: Military Intelligence (Military Security), Political Security Service, General Intelligence Directorate (State Security) and Air Force Intelligence Directorate.

According to the report from the Syrian Network for Human Rights, torture practices encompass physical violence as well as psychological torment and sexual abuse. Inhumane tactics reported include forced labour and solitary confinement in small cells.

Physical tortures inflicted by authorities reportedly range from pouring boiling water on victims to suffocating them with water submersion; using electric shocks; burning nylon bags before applying them to victims’ bodies; extinguishing cigarettes on flesh and burning sensitive areas such as fingers, hair strands or ears.

More extreme methods involve removing fingernails or toenails with pliers-like tools, plucking hair forcefully or mutilating body parts, including limbs with sharp instruments.

As opposition forces gained control over various provinces in Syria, some detainees were released from central prisons located in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Sweida and Adra near Damascus. Among the most notorious facilities known for their severe torture practices are Sednaya Prison, Mezzeh Prison, Qaboun Prison in Damascus, Al-Baloun Prison and Tadmor Prison in Homs.