Sednaya prison in Damascus, which is synonymous with the worst human rights abuses of president Bashar Al Assad's rule. AFP
On December 9, Syrians began searching for relatives they feared were being held in secret cells at Sednaya prison. EPA
Holes are dug in the ground as the search for secret cells at Sednaya prison begins. EPA
Prison records are checked as people search for relatives they believe were held in secret at Sednaya prison. EPA
Syrians search for relatives they believe were held in secret cells at Sednaya prison. EPA
People chip at a wall in Sednaya prison, where thousands of people were alleged to have been detained and tortured by the Assad regime in the past decade. Getty Images
Searchers peer into a chamber at Sednaya prison. Getty Images
Outside Sednaya prison, a woman voices frustration as people search for relatives they believe are held in concealed cells. Getty Images
A member of the White Helmets outside Sednaya prison, where the civil defence organisation provided assistance to search teams. Getty Images
Members of the Syrian White Helmets civil defence organisation search for prisoners underground at Sednaya prison in Damascus. Reuters
