Searching for Syria’s Disappeared
Taher al-Zain’s Father Disappeared 12 Years Ago
Taher al-Zain has come to this hospital in the Syrian capital in search of his father, Mohamed. The lawyer and father of five disappeared 12 years ago and is one of tens of thousands of Syrians who went missing during the country’s civil war.
Thousands of Political Prisoners Released
Thousands of political prisoners have been set free across Syria since the regime of President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on Dec. 8. Ahmed Abu Seif was one of them. As bodies of those who died in prison are recovered, they’re taken to hospitals around the country.
Taher Inspects Photos of the Deceased
Taher inspects photos of the deceased on the wall, looking for a sign of his father. Among the crowd are supporters of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that is now in control of much of the country.
Sednaya Prison: A Hub of Torture and Execution
Taher’s final stop is the infamous Sednaya prison on the outskirts of Damascus. Thousands of people are believed to have been executed and tortured here over the years. Taher and others have come every day to search for evidence of their missing loved ones in the scraps of prison documents the former government left behind.
Families of the Disappeared Feel Trapped in the Past
As Syria enters a new and uncertain phase, the families of the disappeared feel trapped in the past. Without answers, they continue to look for their loved ones and for closure.
Conclusion
The search for Syria’s disappeared is a daunting task, but for families like Taher’s, it is a matter of justice and closure. As the country moves forward, it is essential to acknowledge the past and provide answers to those who have been searching for their loved ones.
FAQs
Q: How many Syrians are believed to have gone missing during the civil war?
A: Tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have gone missing during the civil war.
Q: What is the current status of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad?
A: The regime of President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on Dec. 8, and thousands of political prisoners have been set free.
Q: What is the significance of Sednaya prison?
A: Sednaya prison is believed to have been a hub of torture and execution during the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
Q: What is the goal of families like Taher’s in searching for their loved ones?
A: The goal of families like Taher’s is to find answers and closure about what happened to their loved ones and to seek justice.