Tens of thousands of people, including women and children, are believed to have been detained by Syria in the last five months since the popular revolt against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Human rights groups say that at least 88 people have died while under detention, and the BBC reports that some 2,200 people have died around the country since the protests began. The International Committee of the Red Cross was permitted to visit a Syrian prison for the first time this week, after months of requests to the Assad government. Saleh Dabbakeh, spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Damascus, Syria, speaks about what the group from the ICRC found in the prison.
There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!