Syrian citizens have demonstrated this week demanding justice following the tragic death of Mohammad Ghamira, a Syrian man who passed away in a hospital after reportedly being mistreated by security forces while in custody. This incident occurred shortly after the new government pledged to eradicate the widespread arbitrary detentions and abuses that were prevalent during the previous regime.

Ghamira, a 29-year-old father of two, suffered from hemophilia, a rare genetic disorder that affects blood clotting, and his family had informed the police about his medical condition. Despite this, he was detained for three days before being released and admitted to the hospital on August 9, where he succumbed to his injuries a week later.

The death of Ghamira has become a pivotal test for the new government’s commitment to accountability post the long-standing Assad regime. It has triggered peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins across the nation, shedding light on the broader issue of alleged mistreatment within detention facilities under the new administration.

Fadel Abdulghany, the Executive Director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), emphasized the need for a comprehensive and judicially supervised system to address detention practices, highlighting the importance of systemic accountability rather than selective justice.

Ghamira, a former volunteer with the White Helmets, was detained over an allegation of theft, as stated by the Latakia Internal Security Command. His family was denied contact with him during his detention, despite informing authorities about his medical condition. The tragic outcome has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the lack of a unified system for oversight.

The subsequent investigation into Ghamira’s death led to the detention of Interior Ministry personnel for questioning, with a police interrogator facing prosecution for physical abuse. While the government has promised accountability, rights groups stress that systemic abuses persist in detention centers and call for enduring reforms to prevent future mistreatment.

The incident has reignited the trauma experienced by families of those who suffered in detention under the previous regime, underscoring the urgent need for an independent and transparent investigation, along with structural changes to ensure the protection of detainees’ rights and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.

Despite the transitional government’s assurances of upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair trials, reports from human rights organizations indicate ongoing violations within detention facilities, highlighting the challenges in dismantling entrenched patterns of abuse and establishing a culture of accountability in post-conflict Syria.