In a field statement carrying grave implications regarding detention conditions in Northern Syria, a released Kurdish prisoner provided shocking testimony, confirming that he and his fellow detainees were subjected to “every form of torture” during their period of captivity. These acts constitute a flagrant violation of international laws that prohibit torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Details of the Testimony
In a statement given to the correspondent of Kurdsat News following his release on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the city of Hasakah, Northern Syria, the released Kurdish prisoner stated that he is currently unable to disclose full details, adding:
“I cannot speak of anything; I have just emerged from oppression and I will speak later.”
He indicated that the number of prisoners remains high, stating: “Many of our comrades are still in captivity; they exceed the announced figure of 1,070.”
The witness clarified that he was detained in the Tal Abyad (Gire Spi) region, within a prison run by the Military Police and under the supervision of the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT), where his detention lasted for one year and 40 days.
Torture
Responding to an inquiry regarding detention conditions, the prisoner confirmed that the torture was systematic, stating: “Every form of torture was practiced against us.” He added: “Burning—these [other detainees] are like my brothers—there was the stake (al-khazuq), and tashbeeh [suspension in stress positions]. We were suspended in the air for five days without food or medicine.”
This testimony coincided with the release of approximately 400 prisoners as part of the third batch of a prisoner exchange process between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the provisional authorities in Syria—led by Ahmed al-Sharaa—taking place in the city of Hasakah.
According to available data, the reception took place at the Sabbagh Roundabout in the north of the city, amidst the presence of hundreds of families who gathered in hopes of reuniting with their sons. This step comes as part of the implementation of an agreement concluded between the two parties on January 29, 2026.
The release was preceded by a series of civil actions, as families and friends of the Kurdish prisoners organized protests demanding the release of detainees and the acceleration of exchange procedures.
Legal Framework and International Violations
The allegations contained in this testimony, if verified, constitute a clear violation of several international instruments, most notably:
The 1984 Convention against Torture (CAT): Which strictly prohibits torture under any circumstances.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Which guarantees the right to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The Geneva Conventions: Which regulate the treatment of prisoners and prohibit their ill-treatment during armed conflicts.
This testimony underscores the urgent need for independent and transparent investigations into the conditions of detention centers in Northern Syria, ensuring that those responsible for any potential violations are held accountable and that full protection for prisoners and detainees is secured in accordance with international human rights standards.
