Syria’s Dark Era Ends: Rebel Leader Vows Justice, Closes Assad’s Torture Prisons

Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has pledged to dismantle the security forces and prisons operated under the ousted regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Golani also vowed to track down individuals involved in the torture and killing of detainees.

In a statement to Reuters, Golani declared, “We will dissolve the oppressive security forces of the previous regime and close its infamous prisons.” This announcement follows the dramatic downfall of Assad’s government, which resulted in thousands of detainees escaping from the notorious Saydnaya prison, often described as a “human slaughterhouse” by human rights groups.

Videos captured emotional scenes of Syrians rushing to prisons to reunite with loved ones, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimated that nearly 60,000 people were tortured and killed in Assad’s prisons.

Golani further emphasized that there would be no pardons for those responsible for atrocities. “We will pursue them within Syria and seek international cooperation to bring to justice those who fled abroad,” he said via the state TV’s Telegram channel.

The collapse of Assad’s regime marks a significant turning point for Syria, which endured decades of repressive rule by the Assad family. Human Rights Watch (HRW) described the moment as an opportunity for the nation to “turn the page” on its history of abuse and establish a future rooted in human rights.

“Syria has a unique chance to break free from its legacy of repression,” HRW said. “The path forward demands addressing the abuses by Assad’s regime and ensuring protection for all Syrians, irrespective of their ethnic, sectarian, or political affiliations.”

As the country faces this historic transition, observers hope Syria will seize the chance to rebuild on principles of justice and equality.