Syrian man dies 'under torture' days after return from Germany

The family of Youssef al-Labbad, a Syrian man who reportedly died under torture in an Internal Security Forces prison just two days after returning from Germany, is demanding accountability and answers.

Al-Labbad, originally from the Qaboun neighbourhood of Damascus, was arrested inside the Umayyad Mosque, according to sources close to his family. His body was later handed over to relatives bearing signs of apparent torture, sparking widespread anger and renewed accusations against Syria’s Internal Security Forces.

The privately owned Al-Watan newspaper quoted an interior ministry source on Wednesday as saying: "Youssef al-Labbad died in a prison affiliated with the ministry under mysterious circumstances".

The source added that "the minister of interior ordered an urgent investigation to uncover the circumstances of the death and take necessary measures".

In a Facebook post, al-Labbad’s wife, Sondos Othman, directly accused the general security service of being responsible for his death.

She confirmed the location of his arrest and wrote: "My husband has only been back in the country for two days, which was supposed to be safe. I am demanding justice for my husband and children, and everyone with a conscience and humanity must join us in our demands".

She urged residents of Qaboun not to stay silent, warning that "continued silence will make everyone vulnerable to violations".

Basil Hawwa, a Syrian journalist based in Europe, said al-Labbad was arrested at the mosque following a verbal altercation with a security officer. He called on the government to take a "clear and frank stance against the crime".

According to The New Arab’s Arabic edition, a source from al-Labbad's family said he was arrested by an Internal Security patrol after refusing to leave the mosque.

The source added that al-Labbad had previously defected from the regime and fought with the Free Syria Army in the Qaboun and Barzeh neighbourhoods before entering a reconciliation process. He later sought asylum in Europe, eventually returning to Syria just days ago.

The family said his death marks "the first death under torture in the prisons of the new Syrian government following the recent changes", and is demanding full transparency about the incident and those responsible.

Al-Labbad’s cousin, Badr Kazour, described him as a "committed young man who is loyal to his religion, country, family and honour and returned to Syria after the fall of the Assad regime to contribute to the building and advancement of his people and country".

Kazour added that al-Labbad’s body was declared dead at al-Mujtahid hospital and that the signs of torture were "horrific… and abuse that we have become accustomed to seeing since 2011".

On Thursday, Damascus public prosecutor Hussam Khattab said the investigation was being carried out "impartially and transparently".

During a visit to the Criminal Investigation Department in Damascus, Khattab told state news agency SANA that judicial authorities would take all legal measures against those involved if wrongdoing is confirmed, emphasising the judiciary's commitment to the rule of law.

He said the Public Prosecution had ordered the relevant police department to launch an investigation under its supervision and formed a three-member medical committee of forensic experts to examine the body and determine the cause of death.

Al-Labbad is survived by his wife and three children, who have called on the Ministry of Interior and all concerned officials to investigate his death and hold those responsible to account.

The incident comes as Syria's new transitional government faces growing pressure over security abuses and renewed violence across the country.