Torture in the Syrian prison: Turk returns after 21 years!

Torture in the Syrian prison: Turk returns after 21 years!

Magaracik, Türkei - Mehmet Ertürk is finally at home in Turkey after almost 21 years of cruel captivity in Syria. Ertürk, who was convicted of smuggling, spoke to the AFP news agency about the unimaginable agony that he had to suffer in the "Palestine Department" prison in Damascus. "It was torture, constantly torture," said the 53-year-old, who lives near the Syrian border in Magaracik. His return at the beginning of this week was possible by the creation of the prison of rebels, which at the same time meant the flight of many prisoners and the return to freedom.

The horror stories that Ertürk reports about his years are shocking. He describes how prisoners were captured under the most brutal conditions, often without medical care and in overcrowded cells in which they could not even enjoy the basic human dignity. "It was like in a coffin. 115, 120 people in a cell for 20", he describes the horrific scenario, in which hunger and illness resulted in numerous suffering and many deaths. Ertürk was exposed to a constant change of pain and torture, and yet his hope for freedom was unbroken.

The shocking truth about Syrian prisons

His experiences give a disturbing insight into the conditions in Syrian prisons and the brutal oppression of political prisoners. Ertürk was not only the victim of unimaginable violence, but was also specifically excluded due to his Turkish origin. He reports on another prisoner who starved in 2018, while others suffered from inhuman conditions. These cruel realities are part of a larger image that illustrates the systematic persecution of people under the regime of Bashar al-Assad and the tragic fates of the prisoners.

The father's return and husband to his family is a miracle for them. His wife Hatice, whom he has not seen for over two decades, brought fresh bread for him, but Ertürk cannot eat yet, he is too drawn by the experiences. He thanks "our dear President Erdogan", who, as he says, saved his life and enabled him to return to his family's arms. The most touching moments are the memories of the time believed to be lost and the uncertainty that his family suffered when she believed that he was dead.