The Syrian Coalition reiterated warnings of a possible massacre by regime forces against hundreds of detainees in Hama Central Prison, calling on the international community to take urgent action to prevent it before it is too late.
Member of the political committee Taysir Alloush said: “We believe that the international community is able to prevent any possible massacre against the prison inmates. We, therefore, call upon the UN Security Council and international organizations, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, to take urgent action in order to ensure the release of thousands of prisoners of conscience in the dungeons of the Assad regime.”
“The fact that too many UN Security Council resolutions have been issued on Syria but none yet has been enforced undermines the credibility of the Council and casts doubt about its ability to fulfill one of its main duties; maintaining international peace and security as well as defending human rights,” Alloush added.
Alloush’s warning followed yet a renewed attempt on Friday by regime forces to storm Hama Central Prison after it was taken over by inmates on Monday. Inmates said that regime forces regained control of the main entrance to the facility and the food warehouse.
Videos filmed by the prisoners inside the facility showed small fires erupting inside the prison after regime forces fired live ammunitions and tear gas at the prison cells, causing dozens of cases of asphyxiation and panic among detainees. (Source: Syrian Coalition)