Syrian Journalist Arrested After Launching Digital Archive of Assad Regime Prison Crimes
September 26, 2023 – Just nine days after launching the groundbreaking syria Prisons Museum, journalist and activist Amer matar was briefly detained by Syrian authorities, sparking international concern over the regime’s ongoing suppression of facts and accountability efforts.The arrest underscores the risks faced by those documenting human rights abuses within Syria and highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Assad government’s past actions.
This incident, occurring as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time in nearly six decades, raises serious questions about the sincerity of his pledges towards justice and openness.
The Arrest and Allegations
Matar was apprehended at a border crossing between Syria and Lebanon on Wednesday. Syrian Ministry of Interior spokesperson Noureddine Al-Baba stated the arrest stemmed from allegations of “illegally” obtaining and exploiting security service documents.
However,the museum vehemently denied these claims. They maintain matar was attempting to leave the country after being previously summoned by authorities – a summons they claim he was not properly informed of.
Following an investigation, Matar was released on bail Thursday. Authorities resolute the documents in his possession did not warrant continued detention.
The Syria prisons Museum: A Digital record of Atrocities
The Syria Prisons Museum (prisons.museum/en/syria) is a vital digital archive dedicated to documenting crimes committed within Syrian prisons under the Assad regime. It aims to preserve the memory of the hundreds of thousands unjustly detained - many of whose fates remain unknown.
The museum features:
* A 3D tour of Sednaya Prison: A notorious facility synonymous with torture and extrajudicial killings.
* Testimonies from former prisoners: first-hand accounts of the horrific conditions and abuses endured.
* Documentary evidence: Including inmate records, movement logs, and death certificates.
Matar defended his work, explaining that his team’s efforts mirrored those of countless families searching for information about their missing loved ones. He emphasized they were simply attempting to preserve fragile documentation before it was lost or destroyed.
A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
The museum has proactively stated its commitment to responsible handling of sensitive materials. Any original records discovered are reportedly submitted to the National Commission for the Missing, a government body tasked with investigating disappearances.
The museum’s statement emphasized their dedication to protecting these documents,recognizing their crucial role in revealing the truth about victims and preserving Syrian collective memory.
A History of Persecution & Pursuit of Justice
This isn’t the first time Matar has faced repercussions for his activism. He was previously arrested in 2011 and imprisoned for eight months in Al-khatib prison, where he alleges he was brutally tortured.
His testimony in a 2022 German court proved pivotal in securing a life sentence for Anwar Raslan, a former Assad regime colonel, for crimes against humanity - marking the first conviction of its kind. This demonstrates the power of documenting and pursuing accountability for Syrian regime atrocities.
Assad’s UN Address & Questionable Promises
The timing of Matar’s arrest is notably noteworthy. It coincided with President Assad’s address to the UN General Assembly, where he pledged to “bring to justice everyone accountable and responsible for bloodshed.” He also touted his government’s “transitional justice efforts” and called for the lifting of sanctions.
Though, the detention of a journalist actively documenting these very crimes casts a long shadow over these promises. It raises doubts about the regime’s genuine commitment to accountability and transparency.
The arrest of Amer Matar serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and truth in Syria. The Syria Prisons Museum represents a heroic effort to preserve evidence and honor the memory of victims, despite the immense risks involved. The international community must continue to support these vital initiatives and hold the Assad regime accountable for its past and present actions.
Resources:
* Ministry of Interior spokesperson Noureddine Al-Baba on X
* [Facebook Statement from Amer Matar/Syria Prisons Museum](https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=246521005111187
