Syrians Rally for Justice After Activist’s Death in Prison

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Syrians Rally for Justice After Activist’s Death in Prison \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Hundreds marched in Damascus for activist Mazen al-Hamada, who was killed in prison during President Bashar Assad’s final days in power. The procession evoked memories of Syria’s 2011 protests, with calls for justice and accountability. While some celebrated the newfound freedom to protest, others expressed concern about the insurgents now in control and the uncertain future of Syria.

Activist’s Funeral Sparks Protests: Quick Looks

Funeral Procession: Hundreds marched in Damascus to honor Mazen al-Hamada, a symbol of anti-Assad activism.
Calls for Justice: Protesters demanded accountability for al-Hamada’s death and criticized Assad’s regime.
Early Uprising Echoes: Chants from 2011 protests were repeated, rekindling memories of the anti-Assad movement.
Prisoner Torture Highlighted: Al-Hamada and others endured severe torture in detention under Assad’s rule.
New Leadership Concerns: Insurgents now controlling Damascus raise fears of uncertain governance.
Public Sentiment: Marchers experienced both hope and apprehension over Syria’s evolving political future.

Deep Look

In a powerful display of resilience and remembrance, hundreds of Syrians gathered in central Damascus on Thursday to honor Mazen al-Hamada, a prominent anti-government activist who died in detention during the final days of Bashar Assad’s regime. The procession, a rare public demonstration in the capital, reflected both the enduring wounds of Assad’s brutal rule and the tentative hope sparked by his ouster.

Al-Hamada, 47, was a well-known figure in the early anti-Assad protests that erupted in 2011. After facing repeated arrests, he fled to the Netherlands in 2013, becoming an international voice against Assad’s regime by recounting the torture he and countless others suffered in Syrian prisons. Despite assurances of safety, he returned to Syria in 2020 and was immediately detained. Last week, his body was discovered in a Damascus hospital, bearing signs of torture, leaving his family and supporters devastated.

The Procession

The funeral procession began at al-Mujtahid hospital and made its way to a mosque in central Damascus. Mourners then marched through al-Hijaz Square before burying al-Hamada in a nearby suburb. Along the way, chants rang out: “We will not forget your blood, Mazen,” and “We will bring you before the law, Bashar.” Others called for Assad’s execution, signaling the deep pain and anger still felt by many Syrians.

For some participants, this was their first time openly protesting since the initial uprising in 2011. “It feels surreal to chant these slogans again,” said Mohammad Kulthum, a 32-year-old marcher. Another attendee, Bayan Andoura, expressed disbelief at being able to speak freely in a country where dissent was long silenced. “I keep reminding myself not to whisper anymore,” she said.

A Legacy of Torture and Disappearances

Al-Hamada’s death sheds light on the systematic torture and imprisonment that characterized Assad’s rule. Relatives of other detainees joined the march, sharing stories of loved ones who disappeared into Assad’s notorious detention system. Fares Abul-Huda, whose brother was taken from his hospital job in 2012, has spent over a decade searching for him. Recent discoveries in Saydnaya prison—one of Assad’s most infamous facilities—offered little closure, with only a fraction of its prisoners accounted for after insurgents took over.

Amal al-Hamada, Mazen’s sister, spoke of her heartbreak upon learning of his death. “I dreamed he would come out and speak again. Instead, I found out he was executed,” she said. Activists like Zeina Baaj emphasized that Mazen’s story is just one of many, describing torture as “the regime’s policy for 55 years.”

Fears of the Future

While the march symbolized newfound freedom for many, it also raised concerns about the insurgents now controlling Damascus. The dominant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has attempted to rebrand itself as a more moderate force, but its jihadi roots and Islamist imagery have left many Syrians wary. Some pointed to the new prime minister’s initial use of an Islamist banner alongside the revolutionary flag as evidence of lingering extremism.

Participants also noted the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future. “Freedom is expensive,” said Hani Zia, who fled to Damascus during the war to escape violence in his home village of Daraa. Reflecting on the sacrifices made over the years, he added, “I’m not sure what Syria will look like after today.”

The Weight of War

Syria’s civil war, which began as a popular uprising, claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Government forces targeted entire villages, leaving communities decimated. For Zia’s village of 5,000, 60 residents were killed in the violence.

For many, Thursday’s march was a poignant reminder of the costs of freedom and the fragility of peace. As one participant observed, “We want to walk in the streets without being asked why, where, or who we are. That’s the Syria we want.”