Syrian Individual, Youssef al-Labbad, Leaves Germany and Passes Away in a Detention Center within Syria
Youssef al-Labbad, a Syrian man originally from Damascus, died on July 31st, 2025, in an Internal Security Forces detention center in the city. His family and human rights activists have accused the Syrian authorities of torturing him to death, as his body showed clear signs of physical abuse and scars when handed over for burial.
The tragic incident took place just two days after Youssef returned from Germany. Soondus Othman, Youssef's wife, claimed on Facebook that Youssef was arrested from the Umayyad Mosque and died due to torture in the hands of the General Security. Reports suggest that Youssef entered the mosque in a state of unsteadiness and began uttering incomprehensible phrases, as documented by surveillance cameras inside the mosque.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior has claimed that Youssef hurt himself using sharp tools while in the detention center. However, this explanation has been strongly contested by Youssef's family and activists, who insist on evidence of torture. Soondus Othman's Facebook post contained allegations of extensive signs of torture on Youssef's body.
The Syrian Minister of Justice, Dr. Mazhar al-Wais, expressed commitment to holding accountable all those involved in Youssef's case without favouritism or leniency. The Syrian government has held meetings with community dignitaries and called for accountability, but has been criticized for lacking transparency and institutional responsibility in the investigation.
Sally Shakkour, a member of the English team at Al Bawaba, has been closely monitoring the case. Al Bawaba is a news website that publishes exclusive updates and enhanced content. Sally Shakkour, who has over 6-year experience in publishing content and digital journalism, is the leader of the English news team and a news and breaking news writer.
This case has highlighted ongoing concerns about torture and impunity within Syrian detention centers. Calls for transparent and accountable inquiries continue amid public outrage, as the case of Youssef al-Labbad serves as a grim reminder of the need for justice and human rights in Syria.
[1] Syrian Man Dies in Detention Center: Family Accuses Authorities of Torture [2] Sally Shakkour: Digital Journalist and Leader of the English News Team at Al Bawaba [3] Syrian Authorities Investigate Death of Man Found with Visible Torture Marks [4] Syrian Minister of Justice Vows Accountability in Youssef al-Labbad's Case
- The death of Youssef al-Labbad, a Syrian man found with visible torture marks, has sparked outrage and concern over ongoing issues of torture and impunity within Syrian detention centers.
- Sally Shakkour, a digital journalist and leader of the English news team at Al Bawaba, has been closely monitoring the case and is known for her expertise in publishing content and digital journalism.
- As the Syrian authorities investigate the death of Youssef al-Labbad, calls for transparent and accountable inquiries continue, with the Syrian Minister of Justice vowing to hold all those involved accountable without favoritism or leniency.
