Sebastian Usher, the BBC's Middle East regional editor, sheds light on the horrific realities of Saydnaya prison, known for its brutal treatment of political prisoners under the Assad regime. He discusses the emotional reunions as families desperately search for their loved ones amidst the chaos. The conversation touches on the trauma faced by released prisoners and the daunting path to reintegration into society. Usher also emphasizes the difficulties in achieving justice for the victims of these atrocities, highlighting the complex landscape of accountability in post-regime Syria.
The emotional reunions of families with former prisoners symbolize the fall of Assad's regime and the harrowing impact of years of torture.
Amidst hopes for justice for the victims of the Assad regime, there are significant doubts about the feasibility of accountability for perpetrators.
Deep dives
The Liberation of Political Prisoners in Syria
As rebel forces advanced through Syria during the recent conflict, they prioritized liberating prisoners from Assad's extensive network of secret prisons. The release of these political prisoners, many of whom had spent years in dark and brutal conditions, elicited highly emotional reunions with their families. For countless Syrians, this moment symbolized the fall of a regime known for its terror tactics. Videos circulated online capturing the poignant scenes of former prisoners re-emerging into the light after years of suffering, highlighting the traumatic impact of the Assad regime on its citizens.
The Horrors of Assad's Prisons
Syrian prisons, particularly the infamous Sednaya prison, have long been associated with torture and abuse, operating as an industrialized mechanism of fear under the Assad regime. Reports indicate that detainees endured severe physical and psychological torture, with many victims being executed or mutilated during their time in custody. The knowledge of these horrors had been prevalent among Syrians for years, yet only recently has the broader world begun to grasp the extent of the atrocities. Personal accounts from ex-prisoners detail harrowing experiences of starvation and brutality, creating a haunting image of the significant human toll exacted by the regime.
Challenges of Accountability for Assad's Regime
With the regime's fall, there are pressing questions about whether those responsible for the brutal treatment of prisoners will face justice. The newly established rebel forces have expressed a desire to pursue justice through legal channels rather than through vengeance, amidst fears of chaotic retribution. However, there is skepticism about the feasibility of achieving this, given the complex dynamics within Syria and the potential for high-ranking officials to evade accountability. The hope remains that there will be some form of justice for the many victims of the Assad regime's oppressive policies, but the actual implementation of such justice remains uncertain.
Syria’s notorious Saydnaya prison is one of many that have been liberated as rebels take control of the country. We hear from our correspondent Barbara Plett Usher who has been inside the prison where thousands of opposition supporters are said to have been tortured and executed under the Assad regime. Family members rushed in to see if their relatives were among those released. But will these people find answers in their search? And what will this mean for Syria’s future?
On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC’s Middle East regional editor Sebastian Usher who compares the collapse of the regime to the start of the civil war, which began in 2011.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins
Sound engineer: Ben Andrews
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode