Homs prisoners protest inhuman conditions, demand accountability

A TASTE FOR JUSTICE: A hunger strike in a government prison in Homs reached its ninth day on Monday as prisoners protest what they claim are inhuman and unfair conditions under prison authorities.

“We want our freedom,” “Release us…that’s our only demand,” “We don’t want food,” “We want to be with our families,” read several of the posters made by prisoners, reported pro-opposition news agency Syria Mubasher.

Some protesters claim to be facing unusually long sentences for their involvement in the revolution.

“#Syria: 1000+ detainees in Homs prison on hunger strike for their release. Some face 30 years for anti-govt protests,” said Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth over Twitter last week.

The reported number of prisoners participating in the strike could not be independently confirmed.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has issued a number of general amnesties for detainees throughout the war, but few of them have affected protestors and other opposition members, who are often accused of terrorism or are not charged at all.

In this latest picture from inside the prison, released Monday, protesters gather around Ameed Abdu Karem, one of the prison’s main officials, pleading for their freedom. 

The Central Homs Prison, where the strikes have taken place, is located in Homs city, and is considered the most important government prison in the province.

-January 5, 2015

-Photo courtesy of Homs Media Center.

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