Syria: 7 arrested after young man dies from beating while in police custody

Damascus – Agencies: Syrian authorities announced that they have detained seven people in connection with the death of a young man on Sunday, who died after being beaten while in police custody. Two ministers in the Syrian government pledged to hold those responsible accountable once investigations are completed. The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management stated that Mohammad Ghumaira died “from complications of cerebral and gastrointestinal bleeding resulting from the beating he suffered after his arrest” at a police station in the Latakia governorate. The ministry identified Ghumaira, 29, as one of its staff members and a father of two, who suffered from hemophilia, a condition that prevents blood from clotting properly. A source from the young man’s family, who requested anonymity, said Ghumaira was “accused of stealing a sum of money and was detained for three days before being released due to insufficient evidence,” adding that he “was subjected to severe torture that led to a deterioration in his health and ultimately his death.” Syrian state news channel Al-Ikhbariya reported that the Internal Security Directorate in Latakia governorate had detained “seven individuals pending investigation who were present at the police station during the incident involving Ghumaira.” The channel had previously reported on Friday that competent authorities were investigating the circumstances of the young man’s arrest and the measures taken against him during his detention, including verifying whether “the young man’s health condition was taken into account.” Syrian Interior Minister Anas al-Khatib affirmed that “any violation or excess by Interior Ministry personnel will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable laws and procedures,” adding that “every offender will receive his just punishment.”