'We haven't heard from them for over a decade': Thousands of Syrians flock to Sednaya's infamous prison


Nada Maucourant Atallah
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Hours after rebels released tens of thousands of detainees from Bashar Al Assad’s most feared dungeons, families were still clinging to hope. Rumours were quickly spreading that thousands more were still hidden in the secret underground cells of Sednaya, dubbed the human slaughterhouse by human rights campaigners after decades of torture there.

Thousands rushed to the prison after the rebels’ swift advance ended more than five decades of Assad family rule, freeing decade-long detainees from the regime’s prison network.

Inside Sednaya, families combed through the snaking corridors and squalid cells in an effort to find those being held.

Voices were heard from behind an unlocked door. Amid celebratory gunfire and screams, a crowd forced open the entrance, allowing dozens to flow inside the dark stairwell, their faces lit with the emotion of finally being reunited with their relatives after years of absence.

But no one was there.

On Monday, Syria’s White Helmets civil defence force said they were investigating claims that hidden underground cells might hold more detainees, sending in five emergency teams, but haven’t found anyone yet. About 100,000 detainees are still unaccounted for since the conflict began in 2011, including many political prisoners.

Many Syrians remain undeterred. The rebels’ swift advance sparked hope among families of those who disappeared.

Behind the rusted bars lay dirty blankets, scattered official prison papers and personal belongings left behind. Drops of dried blood stained the stairs, with a stretcher and a prosthetic leg abandoned on the floor.

A satellite view of part of the Sednaya prison complex near Damascus, Syria. Reuters
A satellite view of part of the Sednaya prison complex near Damascus, Syria. Reuters

In Sednaya, like other Assad regime prisons, human rights groups have documented systematic torture, sexual violence and mass killings. It stands as a symbol of the regime’s breaches of human rights.

Many are searching for people who have been missing for over a decade. Yaman El Ali said his uncle, Ahmad, had been missing since 2016. He said that he arrived in the morning but found no trace of him but that they would keep searching.

Like thousands of others, Yaman walked several kilometres to reach the prison. The line of cars blocking the road to the entrance prompted many to abandon their vehicles and continue the journey to the prison on foot. Many walked in the darkness, guided only by their phone torch and starlight as planes, probably Israeli, flew overhead. A Syrian army tank was abandoned on the side of the road.

Some families lit fires along the way, remaining close to the prison in the hope of positive news about their relatives.

  • 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

A group of people gathered around a car with a notebook containing the names of detainees held from 2013. Many were trying to find their loved ones on the list.

“I heard someone was found alive. Is that true?” a man asked. Another person asked if anyone in the crowd had information about their missing uncle.

Mohamed Al Zein, a commander of the rebel group the Southern Front for the Liberation of Damascus, said he remains hopeful about finding his brother, who has been missing for more than a decade. This is the first time he has visited Sednaya. His mother had visited in vain, however rumours of hidden cells have reignited hopes.

“Inshallah, we find him. We also have many other friends who are missing,” he said.

Another fighter, Moussa, said that many people released from the prisons of the Assad regime had lost their memory. Mr Al Zein claimed his brother was detained on a false report. “Since then, we haven’t heard anything,” he said. “It was always like that – arbitrary detentions. Everyone was afraid; we couldn’t do anything.” But now, he said, “everything is allowed”.

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Most F1 world titles

7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)

7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)

5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)

4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)

4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)

Washmen Profile

Date Started: May 2015

Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Laundry

Employees: 170

Funding: about $8m

Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

Brief scores:

Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first

Kerala Knights 103-7 (10 ov)

Parnell 59 not out; Tambe 5-15

Sindhis 104-1 (7.4 ov)

Watson 50 not out, Devcich 49

Abu Dhabi racecard

5pm: Maiden (Purebred Arabians); Dh80,000; 1,400m.
5.30pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,00; 1,400m.
6pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA); Group 3; Dh500,000; 1,600m.
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (Thoroughbred); Listed; Dh380,000; 1,600m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup for Private Owners Handicap (PA); Dh70,000; 1,400m.
7.30pm: Handicap (PA); Dh80,000; 1,600m

The%20specs
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From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

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1. Unemployment

2. Spread of infectious diseases

3. Fiscal crises

4. Cyber attacks

5. Profound social instability

Top 5 concerns in the Mena region

1. Energy price shock

2. Fiscal crises

3. Spread of infectious diseases

4. Unmanageable inflation

5. Cyber attacks

Source: World Economic Foundation

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Results

5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m; Winner: Mcmanaman, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)

6.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Bawaasil, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson

6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Dirt) 1,400m; Winner: Bochart, Fabrice Veron, Satish Seemar

7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Mutaraffa, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

7.50pm: Longines Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,00 (D) 1,900m; Winner: Rare Ninja, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.25pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Alfareeq, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

9pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Good Tidings, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Zorion, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi

 

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

MATCH INFO

Euro 2020 qualifier

Russia v Scotland, Thursday, 10.45pm (UAE)

TV: Match on BeIN Sports 

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Essentials

The flights
Whether you trek after mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the Congo, the most convenient international airport is in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. There are direct flights from Dubai a couple of days a week with RwandAir. Otherwise, an indirect route is available via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. Flydubai flies to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, via Entebbe in Uganda. Expect to pay from US$350 (Dh1,286) return, including taxes.
The tours
Superb ape-watching tours that take in all three gorilla countries mentioned above are run by Natural World Safaris. In September, the company will be operating a unique Ugandan ape safari guided by well-known primatologist Ben Garrod.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, local operator Kivu Travel can organise pretty much any kind of safari throughout the Virunga National Park and elsewhere in eastern Congo.

SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Coming soon

Torno Subito by Massimo Bottura

When the W Dubai – The Palm hotel opens at the end of this year, one of the highlights will be Massimo Bottura’s new restaurant, Torno Subito, which promises “to take guests on a journey back to 1960s Italy”. It is the three Michelinstarred chef’s first venture in Dubai and should be every bit as ambitious as you would expect from the man whose restaurant in Italy, Osteria Francescana, was crowned number one in this year’s list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Akira Back Dubai

Another exciting opening at the W Dubai – The Palm hotel is South Korean chef Akira Back’s new restaurant, which will continue to showcase some of the finest Asian food in the world. Back, whose Seoul restaurant, Dosa, won a Michelin star last year, describes his menu as,  “an innovative Japanese cuisine prepared with a Korean accent”.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

The highly experimental chef, whose dishes are as much about spectacle as taste, opens his first restaurant in Dubai next year. Housed at The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will feature contemporary twists on recipes that date back to the 1300s, including goats’ milk cheesecake. Always remember with a Blumenthal dish: nothing is quite as it seems. 

Updated: December 10, 2024, 6:19 AM