Syrian police investigator will face prosecution after detainee with hemophilia dies

DAMASCUS, Syria - A Syrian police investigator who inflicted harm on a detainee with hemophilia, leading to his death, will face legal consequences, officials announced on Thursday. The Interior Ministry initiated an investigation into the demise of Mohammad Ghamira, a 29-year-old father of two, and disclosed preliminary findings of the probe on Thursday.

Ghamira, a former White Helmets volunteer, passed away in a hospital in Latakia on Sunday, following his release from jail. He had been arrested days earlier on suspicion of theft, according to Latakia’s internal security command. Ghamira’s family had informed the police about his condition, warning against any form of physical violence, including hitting him.

The medical experts determined that Ghamira had succumbed to complications arising from a cerebral hemorrhage, as stated by Maj. Gen. Ahmed Latouf, the head of the committee established to probe Ghamira’s death.

The interrogator responsible for slapping Ghamira in the neck during the interrogation was referred to the public prosecution division, and disciplinary proceedings against other police personnel are underway, according to Latouf. The incident has incited widespread outrage in Syria, reigniting painful memories of torture and abuse prevalent in detention facilities during the Assad regime's prolonged rule.