Following the collapse of the regime in Syria, large numbers of prisoners held in Assad’s detention centers are being released. Over fifty years of Assad’s rule saw tens of thousands of political opponents imprisoned.
With the regime’s fall, Syrians are searching prisons for missing relatives. Verified images by NOS show released prisoners expressing disbelief and joy, shouting “Allahu Akbar” upon hearing of the regime’s collapse.
The extensive prison network was a crucial pillar of Assad’s regime, described by journalist Abdou Bouzerda as a tool to terrorize the population. Now that rebels control most of the country, freeing prisoners appears to be a priority, with rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Jolani crediting their suffering as a factor in the victory.
Source: NOS