Geneva – An independent and transparent investigation is needed into the death of Syrian national Mohammad Ghamira, who died after his health declined following an alleged beating while detained at a police station in Latakia Governorate. Repeated custodial deaths reveal a significant flaw in the security system and oversight, necessitating urgent measures to protect detainees and establish accountability and justice outside internal investigative committees that lack independence.
Ghamira, a 29-year-old father of two from Douma in rural Damascus, was recognised for his humanitarian efforts as a former volunteer with the Syrian Civil Defence. He was detained after being summoned to the police station in Al-Haffah, Latakia, due to an alleged financial dispute. During roughly three days in custody, he reportedly endured physical assault, which worsened his health. He died on Sunday, 16 August 2026, in the ICU at Latakia University Hospital, shortly after being released by judicial order due to his critical condition.
Law enforcement officials seem to have ignored medical warnings from the victim's family, who had notified the police station chief about his delicate health condition caused by haemophilia, a rare disorder that prevents proper blood clotting, and requested that he not be beaten to prevent severe health risks. Nevertheless, security personnel reportedly slapped the victim in the face, which is believed to have worsened his health significantly.
A detainee's medical condition does not grant protection from violence, since this right is guaranteed to everyone. However, if such violence occurs, their condition aggravates the severity of the violation and the associated criminal responsibility
Based on the family's testimony, Ghamira's condition worsened quickly after he left detention. They picked him up from Al-Haffah Hospital around 11:30 p.m. last Thursday, noting he was in poor health with bleeding in his leg, which necessitated urgent transfer to Latakia National Hospital. His condition deteriorated sharply the following morning, with advanced neurological symptoms including ocular deviation, head tremor, blindness, and loss of speech. He was urgently transferred to Tishreen University Hospital in Latakia, where medical examinations showed that he had suffered a progressive cerebral haemorrhage, the severity of which was exacerbated by his haemophilia, resulting in him falling into a coma and dying.
Despite local officials obtaining the necessary medication for his treatment, his health continued to decline severely. His condition worsened with complications such as acute brain dysfunction, kidney and liver failure, a significant drop in blood pressure, oxygen deprivation, and multiple cardiac arrests, which required several resuscitation efforts before he was finally pronounced dead.
The most alarming aspect is that this incident does not seem to be a rare or exceptional case but part of a disturbing trend of custodial deaths in Syria. Euro-Med Monitor previously recorded the death of Ahmed Al-Ayada Al-Dayeh in April, who reportedly faced torture and ill-treatment inside a security facility in Deir ez-Zor's countryside. Additionally, at least five other detainees have died under similar circumstances since early 2026. This pattern points to a persistent neglect of legal protections and inadequate oversight of police and security forces.
The absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and ill-treatment applies universally to all detainees, with no discrimination or exceptions. Any form of beating or physical violence against a detainee is a serious violation of human dignity. International human rights laws, including the Convention against Torture and Articles 7 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, legally mandate that all deprived of liberty must be treated humanely and with respect, regardless of their health condition.
A detainee's medical condition does not grant protection from violence, since this right is guaranteed to everyone. However, if such violence occurs, their condition aggravates the severity of the violation and the associated criminal responsibility. Physically assaulting a person with a serious medical condition, knowing this in advance, shows gross neglect for the right to life and removes any legal or procedural justification for violence within detention facilities.
Detention authorities must protect detainees' lives and physical safety and ensure they receive suitable healthcare, in line with international standards such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules). These rules emphasise the importance of providing proper medical care and prohibit practices that could harm detainees' health. Failing to adhere to these standards not only invalidates any administrative justifications but also makes perpetrators and senior officials responsible for hiding violations directly accountable.
Mohammad Ghamira's death highlights concerns about authorities' ability to foster public trust and lay the groundwork for transitional justice. Neglecting to protect citizens within state facilities perpetuates impunity and hampers sincere efforts to reform the security sector and address past conflict-related violations.
Euro-Med Monitor observed the official response in Interior Minister Anas Khattab's declaration of an investigative committee with a 72-hour deadline and accountability for responsible parties, as well as Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh's statement that seven police officers had been detained pending investigation. Although these measures are a necessary start, they are insufficient on their own and fail to deliver justice unless complemented by full transparency and independent judicial processes beyond the administrative and internal investigations led by the same bodies involved in the alleged violation.
Internal investigations by security agencies into their own personnel are still often insufficient. According to the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death, such investigations should be independent, thorough, and effective, with civilian judicial oversight. This ensures the truth is uncovered and all responsible parties are held accountable, including those who ordered, carried out, aided, or failed in their duty to protect.
The Ministry of Interior is directly responsible for the legal and administrative oversight of its security personnel at all levels and sectors. Euro-Med Monitor highlights the importance of activating oversight and legal mechanisms thoroughly to ensure compliance with their authority limits, along with conducting regular, independent evaluations of their professionalism and adherence to international human rights standards in all circumstances. This approach is crucial to prevent law enforcement from misuse of power over detainees or risking their lives and safety.
Transitional justice requires a clear break from the security approach of the former regime, which for decades depended on repression, persecution, and systematically degrading human dignity among civilians and detainees. Building public trust necessitates the quick implementation of strict security policies that reform police forces, eliminate a culture of impunity and unchecked abuse, and realign security agencies with their rightful roles as accountable institutions. These agencies should focus on protecting individuals and upholding inherent rights instead of using coercion and intimidation in areas meant to be governed by the rule of law.
To prevent these incidents from happening again, strong political commitment to reforming criminal procedures and safeguards is essential. This includes eliminating unchecked security control over detainees and explicitly banning interrogations without legal counsel. Additionally, all detention centres and police cells should undergo surprise and regular inspections to ensure procedures are upheld and that human rights standards are met.
Syrian authorities must urgently refer the case of Ghamira's detention and death to an independent civilian court. They should also establish an impartial forensic medical committee to identify the exact cause of death and document injuries. All involved parties, including superiors and those who ordered, participated in, or failed in their duties, must face fair, public trials. Penalties should be proportionate to the severity of the violations. Additionally, internal investigations that could reinforce impunity must be avoided.
Euro-Med Monitor urges immediate legislative amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure detainees' rights, including access to legal counsel from the start of detention and the recording of interrogation sessions via audio and video. Additionally, a rigorous independent oversight system involving civilians and judicial officials must oversee all detention centres and police stations to prevent practices that violate human dignity and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment in any form.
