Syria detains policeman over death of White Helmets rescuer hit in custody

Syrian authorities have arrested a police officer and initiated criminal prosecution proceedings after a detainee, who suffered from hemophilia, died shortly after being slapped while in custody. The Interior Ministry confirmed on Thursday that Mohammad Ghamira, 29, died on Sunday after being struck by police investigator Ahmad Jawad, who has since been detained.

Ghamira, a father of two, was a volunteer with the White Helmets, a civil defense organization operating in rebel-held areas of Syria, known for its search and rescue operations. The investigation revealed that Ghamira had informed internal security personnel of his rare medical condition, which impairs blood clotting, and his wife had also twice alerted authorities to the potential danger.

Ahmad Latouf, assistant interior minister for police affairs, stated that the investigation concluded Ghamira died from a brain hemorrhage believed to have been caused by the slap. Two other officers are under investigation but are not currently facing prosecution. The ministry emphasized its commitment to uncovering the truth and holding accountable those proven to have acted improperly, citing the need to build a state of law.

Ghamira's death has ignited widespread anger among Syrians, evoking memories of systematic human rights abuses under the former regime. The new leadership has pledged a focus on human rights and an inclusive government, but concerns persist regarding documented abuses by government forces.

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We rose up against the former tyrant’s regime in rejection of injustice and impunity, and therefore, building a state of law begins with our ability to hold the wrongdoer accountable, to give restitution to the victim, and not to do injustice to anyone who has not been proven responsible for wrongdoing.