Amnesty Says 18,000 Die In Syria State Jails

A report by Amnesty International says nearly 18,000 people have died in government custody in Syria between 2011 and 2015.

The rights group says its document includes interviews with 65 “torture survivors”, who have described appalling abuse such as beatings and rapes in jails and detention centres.

According to some detainees, these forms of abuse served as welcome parties into the jail. New detainees especially women were subjected to security checks, which usually involved women being sexually assaulted by male guards.

They also describe the experience as totally inhumane. “They treated us like animals. They wanted people to be as inhuman as possible.” said Samer, a lawyer from Hama who was among those interviewed.

“I saw the blood, it was like a river… I never imagined humanity would reach such a low level.”

Some described other gruesome experiences such as being forced into a rubber tire or whipped on the soles of their feet and furthermore, denied access to health care amongst other basic needs.

Philip Luther, Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa Director, in a report said, “For decades, Syrian government forces have used torture as a means to crush their opponents.

“Today, it is being carried out as part of a systematic and widespread attack directed against anyone suspected of opposing the government in the civilian population and amounts to crimes against humanity,” he added.

A BBC report says a report from the UN Human Rights accused the Syrian government of carrying out a state policy of extermination. According to the UN, more than 250,000 people have died in almost five years of war in Syria, with a further 11 million people displaced by the conflict.

However, the Syrian Government has repeatedly denied such allegations.

Amnesty International also urged the international community to pressure Damascus to end the use of torture.

The group has also called on the U.S. and Russia, which co-chair peace talks on the Syrian crisis, to address the reports.