Action Group – Aleppo
The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of Mahmoud Ali Ahmad in Aleppo Governorate by units of the Counter-Terrorism Branch in cooperation with Internal Security personnel. This arrest was carried out pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, following a period of investigation.
According to the official statement, initial investigations indicate that the detainee previously worked in the special guard unit at Saydnaya Prison before being appointed as a prison guard in the section known as the “Red Prison.”
Preliminary information suggests his involvement in serious violations against detainees, including participation in summary executions, the transfer of bodies of detainees who died under torture, and their burial in locations believed to be mass graves. He is also suspected of participating in the torture of a number of detainees.
The Ministry clarified that the detainee has been referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to complete the legal investigations before being transferred to the competent court. The Ministry affirmed its continued pursuit of anyone proven to be involved in violations or abuses, in accordance with established procedures.
Saydnaya Prison is one of the most notorious security centers associated with grave human rights violations in recent years, where thousands of civilians have died under torture or as a result of summary executions, including dozens of Palestinians.
The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria has documented thousands of Palestinian victims and detainees who lost their lives inside this infamous prison, in addition to hundreds of cases of enforced disappearance linked to it. The group affirms its continued monitoring and documentation of violations against Palestinian refugees in Syria.