Kathmandu— A Syrian man formerly with the volunteer “White Helmets” civil defense group died in hospital following his detention by police, prompting an official investigation and widespread condemnation. Mohammed Gamira, a father of two, was held at a police station in Latakia province over a financial dispute and reportedly subjected to abuse despite warnings about his pre-existing hemophilia. His death has ignited public anger, with protests already occurring and further demonstrations planned nationwide as Syrians fear a resurgence of detention abuses reminiscent of the previous regime.

Allegations of Abuse and Neglect

Family members claim that security officers disregarded warnings regarding Gamira’s hemophilia and subjected him to continuous physical abuse over 72 hours, leading to catastrophic internal bleeding. According to reports, he sustained a brain hemorrhage and significant abdominal bleeding before his condition deteriorated enough to warrant hospitalization. Photos circulating on social media purportedly show Gamira receiving intensive care at Tishreen University Hospital prior to his death.

Official Investigation Launched

The Latakia Internal Security Command announced the launch of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gamira’s detention at the Haffeh police station. The Ministry of Interior’s Security Command stated that the inquiry will assess whether procedures followed during his arrest and custody adhered to legal requirements, also taking into account his pre-existing health condition. Interior Minister Anas Khattab expressed condolences to Gamira's family and pledged firm action against any misconduct by ministry personnel.

Echoes of Past Abuses

The strong public reaction to the case highlights ongoing fears about mistreatment and death in Syrian detention facilities, recalling a dark period under former President Bashir al-Assad. Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett reported from Latakia that many Syrians had hoped such practices would end with the fall of the previous regime. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates that over 200,000 people died in Syrian prisons during the war, including through executions and torture, notably at Sednaya prison – a facility rights groups have described as a “human slaughterhouse”.

The investigation’s findings are expected to determine whether any legal violations occurred during Gamira's detention, with authorities promising punishment for those found responsible. Nationwide protests are planned for Tuesday as Syrians demand accountability and an end to alleged abuses within the justice system.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.