Rescuers search Sednaya prison - in pictures

  • Sednaya prison in Damascus, which is synonymous with the worst human rights abuses of president Bashar Al Assad's rule. AFP
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Members of the Syrian White Helmets civil defence organisation search for prisoners underground at Sednaya prison in Damascus. Reuters