Syria probes death of former White Helmets rescuer in police custody

Syria has opened an investigation after Mohammed Gamira, a former White Helmets rescuer, died following detention at a police station in Latakia province. Family members and local reports say he was held over a financial dispute and later died in hospital after his condition worsened. The case has triggered public anger and calls for protests in Latakia, with nationwide demonstrations also planned.

Sponsored

The Latakia Internal Security Command said it had launched a probe into the events that took place while Gamira was held at the Haffeh police station. The Ministry of Interior's Security Command said the inquiry would examine the circumstances of his detention and whether the procedures used complied with legal requirements. Interior Minister Anas Khattab expressed condolences to the family and said any violations or misconduct by ministry personnel would be dealt with firmly under the law.

Family members allege that officers ignored warnings about Gamira's haemophilia and subjected him to severe, continuous physical abuse during a 72-hour period. They say the mistreatment caused catastrophic internal bleeding, including a brain haemorrhage and abdominal bleeding. Photos shared on social media showed him receiving intensive care at Tishreen University Hospital, and reports said he had been held for three days before being transferred for medical care.

The death has struck a nerve in Syria because allegations of abuse in detention remain highly sensitive after years of torture and mistreatment under the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad. The issue is also politically significant for President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose administration has presented the rule of law as a central challenge since taking power after the offensive that toppled Assad. The case is likely to test whether the new authorities can respond credibly to allegations involving security personnel.

Sponsored

Gamira was described as a father of two and a former member of the White Helmets civil defence group, which has been prominent in rescue work during Syria's conflict. His death has therefore drawn attention not only because of the custody allegations, but also because of his previous role in a widely recognised emergency response organisation. The combination of a detention death, claims of ignored medical warnings and public calls for protest has made the case a focal point for wider concerns about accountability.

What remains unclear is the exact sequence of events inside the Haffeh police station and whether any officers will face immediate disciplinary or criminal action. It is also not yet clear how large the planned protests will be or whether they will spread beyond Latakia. The investigation announced by the Interior Ministry and local security command will be closely watched for signs of transparency and enforcement.

#Syria #MohammedGamira #WhiteHelmets #Latakia #policecustody