Testimonies from a number of Kurdish detainees recently released from prisons run by the transitional authority in Damascus reveal a consistent pattern of serious human rights violations, including torture, ill-treatment, and medical neglect. These accounts are particularly significant as most of the victims were members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who had surrendered under ceasefire and de-escalation agreements in northern and eastern Syria.
Background
Available information indicates that arrests took place during periods of de-escalation following ceasefire agreements in areas such as Deir Hafer, Raqqa, and Tabqa. According to survivors, they were detained despite explicit guarantees of safety after surrendering, raising serious concerns about the commitment of the concerned parties to uphold the terms of these agreements.
Detention Conditions
Released detainees reported being subjected to harsh conditions from the moment of arrest, including prolonged handcuffing, transportation under inhumane conditions, and confinement in overcrowded cells lacking basic hygiene and ventilation. Some detainees were reportedly held in solitary confinement for extended periods without contact with the outside world or communication with their families.
Patterns of Torture and Ill-Treatment
Testimonies consistently describe various forms of physical torture, including severe beatings with different tools, electric shocks, and suspension in painful positions for long periods. Victims also reported verbal abuse with ethnic overtones, continuous threats, and psychological pressure aimed at extracting confessions or information.
Medical Neglect
A major concern highlighted in the testimonies is deliberate medical neglect. Many detainees were denied treatment despite suffering from serious injuries or chronic illnesses. Basic healthcare was largely absent in detention facilities, leading to deterioration of health conditions, with some individuals released with permanent disabilities or severe complications.
Legal Violations
These reported practices constitute clear violations of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and require humane treatment and medical care for detainees. The detention of individuals who surrendered under ceasefire agreements also represents a direct breach of those agreements.
Psychological and Social Impact
The consequences of these abuses extend beyond physical harm. Many released detainees suffer from trauma-related symptoms, chronic anxiety, and sleep disorders. Their reintegration into society has been significantly affected, while their families endured prolonged periods of uncertainty and distress.
Conclusion and Recommendations
These testimonies underscore the urgent need for independent and transparent investigations into abuses committed in detention facilities, and for holding those responsible accountable under the law. It is also recommended to exert pressure on relevant authorities to respect signed agreements and ensure legal and humanitarian protections for all detainees. Immediate medical and psychological support should be provided to survivors.
The continuation of such violations without accountability threatens efforts toward stability and peace, and highlights the need for international intervention to prevent their recurrence.
