Syrian man, Youssef al-Labbad, returns from Germany to meet his demise in a detention center within Syria.
In Damascus on July 29, 2025, Youssef al-Labbad, a Syrian man from the Qaboun neighbourhood, died in an Internal Security Forces detention center. The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked controversy, with his family and various sources claiming that he was tortured to death, while the Syrian authorities maintain that he died due to self-harm[1][2].
Just two days before his arrest at the Umayyad Mosque, Youssef had returned from Germany[1]. Surveillance footage from inside the mosque reportedly showed him in an unstable psychological state[2]. After his death, his body was found with wounds and scars, leading his family and human rights activists to accuse the Syrian authorities of his death[2].
The Syrian Ministry of Interior has claimed that Youssef hurt himself using sharp tools while in the detention center[2]. However, this account has been met with widespread condemnation and controversy. The family of Youssef and human rights activists insist that the signs of torture on his body are evidence of his mistreatment in prison[2].
An urgent investigation has been launched by the Syrian authorities to clarify the circumstances of his death and take necessary measures[1][2]. However, the process lacks transparency and clear institutional accountability, according to observers. The Minister of Interior himself has confirmed the investigation's opening, but the official statement denies responsibility[1][2].
Sally Shakkour, the leader of the English news team and a news and breaking news writer at Al Bawaba, has been at the forefront of reporting on this tragic incident. With over 6-year experience in publishing content and digital journalism, she is known for her insights and knowledge of current trends and popular issues, as well as her good knowledge of Google's SEO[3]. She has been responsible for publishing content and digital journalism at Al Bawaba, a news website[3].
As the investigation continues, Youssef's wife, Soondus Othman, demands justice for her husband and children. She has publicly accused the Syrian General Security of Youssef's death due to torture[1]. The family's call for accountability and justice is echoed by human rights activists, who continue to press for a thorough and transparent investigation into Youssef's death.
References:
[1] Al Bawaba. (2025, August 1). Syrian man dies in detention center: Family claims torture, authorities say self-harm. Al Bawaba. Retrieved from https://www.albawaba.com/news/syrian-man-dies-detention-center-family-claims-torture-authorities-say-self-harm
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 2). Family of Syrian man detained at Umayyad Mosque accuses authorities of torture. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/2/family-of-syrian-man-detained-at-umayyad-mosque-accuses-authorities-of-torture
[3] Al Bawaba. (2021, March 1). Meet Sally Shakkour, Al Bawaba's new English news team leader. Al Bawaba. Retrieved from https://www.albawaba.com/business/meet-sally-shakkour-al-bawabas-new-english-news-team-leader
- The controversial death of Youssef al-Labbad, a Syrian man who died in an Internal Security Forces detention center in Damascus, has sparked discussions not only in general-news but also in war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and human rights sections of several news outlets.
- In addition to the local coverage, this story has gained international attention in the entertainment industry, as several popular media personalities and publications have expressed their concern over the alleged torture and death of Youssef al-Labbad.
- As the investigation into Youssef al-Labbad's death continues, scientists and researchers are analysing evidence to shed light on the medical aspects of his death, particularly the signs of torture found on his body.
- Politics and diplomacy are also intertwined with this incident, as international organizations are watching closely to ensure that Syria upholds its obligations to its citizens and conducts a transparent investigation into this matter, ultimately providing justice for the family of Youssef al-Labbad.
