Photos of missing Syrians fill Damascus walls as families search for answers

By Omer Koparan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Families in Syria are gathering in the capital Damascus to post photos of missing loved ones, hoping to find answers about those who disappeared during the rule of Bashar Assad.

The walls of Marjeh Square’s central monument are covered with hundreds of photos, each listing names and contact information.

Many believe their loved ones are still alive, last seen in regime prisons before Assad’s fall.

Bashar Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8 after anti-regime groups seized control of Damascus.

The takeover followed a swift, two-week offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, who captured key cities across the country.

Khalid from Qamishli told Anadolu that his uncle was detained in the Palestine Branch (Far Falastin) and later transferred to Sednaya Prison.

The Palestine Branch and Sednaya Military Prison in Syria are notorious for their brutal conditions, widespread torture, executions, and forced disappearances under the Assad regime.

“In 2018, my mother visited him in Sednaya and confirmed he was alive,” Khalid said.

“A few months ago, we heard from someone recently released from Mezze Military Prison that he had survived, but we haven’t found him among those freed.”

- 'Thousands of prisoners have vanished'

Khalid pinned his uncle’s photo to the wall, adding: “Thousands of prisoners have vanished. No one knows their whereabouts.”

Assaf Elbehis is searching for his relative, Daich Asaf Bahid, who has been missing since 2018.

“Even if all prisoners were released today, we’ve found no trace—no body, no clue,” Elbehis said. “Some say he was taken to Latakia or Homs, but only God knows.”

Abdurrahman from Deir ez-Zor said his uncle disappeared in Damascus in 2012 and was reportedly detained by military intelligence before being sent to Sednaya Prison.

“We’ve heard reports, but we can’t confirm anything,” Abdurrahman said. “All we can do is hope someone recognizes him.”

Hamza, looking for a relative reportedly released from prison, said his family visited hospitals and mosques but found no trace.

“These young people are missing,” Hamza said. “Where did the released prisoners go? We just want to know the truth.”

After the collapse of the Assad regime on Dec. 8, thousands of prisoners, many held in notorious facilities like Sednaya, were freed by anti-regime fighters.

Many of those freed had spent years, even decades, in notorious detention centers known for their brutal treatment of political prisoners and anti-regime activists.

*Writing by Beril Canakci