Syrian Artist’s Heartbreaking Account of Assad Regime’s Atrocities
Syrian artist Suzan Najm al-Din choked back tears during a recent interview on Al Arabiya’s “Your Interaction” program, delivering a powerful testimony about the crimes committed by the Assad regime, especially within the infamous Saydnaya prison in the Damascus countryside.
When asked by the host, “Did Bashar al-Assad kill his people?”, Najm al-Din responded with raw emotion: “What should I say after everything I have seen? What should I say? He disappeared, or do we have freedom, but we understand.” Her words painted a vivid picture of the unspeakable horrors witnessed firsthand, referencing the “terrible massacres… amazing and heartbreaking” carried out in Saydnaya.
Najm al-Din continued, detailing the pervasive suffering under Assad’s rule: “The number of crimes he committed against prisoners inside and outside is unbelievable. We were all prisoners outside the prison, prisoners of thought and word.”
Her account extended beyond the prison walls, highlighting the daily struggles faced by ordinary Syrians. “Our dreams are very small,” she lamented. “We have reached a stage where the creative Syrian person, who has a civilization and history, has become consumed by the dream of gas, electricity, diesel, and the lost loaf of bread.” She concluded with a poignant observation reflecting the widespread suffering: “Sadly,in recent years,we have all been in the same trench,suffering.”
Najm al-Din’s testimony serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and the devastating impact of the Assad regime’s actions. Her words resonate with the countless Syrians who have endured years of violence, displacement, and oppression. The international community continues to grapple with finding effective solutions to address the ongoing conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
This powerful testimony underscores the urgent need for continued international attention and action to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable and to bring lasting peace and stability to Syria.
Syrian Artist’s Testimony Sheds Light on Assad Regime’s Brutality
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria has been the subject of intense international scrutiny. A recent interview with Syrian artist Suzan Najm al-Din has brought renewed attention to the atrocities allegedly committed by the Assad regime, notably inside the infamous Saydnaya prison. Dr. Amira Khalil, a leading expert on Syrian human rights and a Middle East scholar at the London School of Economics, joins us today to analyze the significance of Najm al-Din’s testimony.
Senior editor: Dr. Khalil, thank you for joining us. Suzan Najm al-Din’s interview was incredibly powerful and heartbreaking. What struck you most about her account?
Dr. Khalil: What struck me most was the raw emotion in her voice. She wasn’t just reciting facts; she was sharing deeply personal experiences of fear, suffering, and loss. Her description of Syria as a nation where people are “prisoners of thought and word” is profoundly chilling,reflecting the pervasive climate of oppression that has gripped the country for so long.
Senior Editor: Najm al-Din’s description of Saydnaya prison as a place of “terrible massacres” echoes the reports of countless human rights organizations. Can you elaborate on the documented atrocities that have taken place within those walls?
Dr. Khalil: Saydnaya has become symbolic of the Assad regime’s brutality. Survivor testimonies and reports from reputable human rights groups like Amnesty International paint a horrifying picture. They speak of systematic torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of people have perished within those walls, their bodies never recovered.
Senior Editor: Najm al-Din also spoke about the broader suffering of the Syrian people, emphasizing their struggle for basic necessities like food and electricity. How has the conflict impacted daily life for ordinary Syrians?
Dr. Khalil: The conflict has devastated Syria’s infrastructure and economy. Basic needs like food, water, healthcare, and electricity are scarce. Many Syrians have been displaced internally or forced to flee the country as refugees. The psychological toll on the population is immense, with widespread trauma and despair. It’s a humanitarian catastrophe on a tremendous scale.
Senior Editor: What can the international community do to address this crisis?
Dr. Khalil: The situation demands a multifaceted approach. Continued pressure on the Assad regime to end human rights abuses is crucial. This includes supporting self-reliant investigations into war crimes and holding those responsible accountable.
Additionally, we need to provide greater humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict and support efforts to rebuild Syria’s shattered society. Ultimately,a sustainable peace will require a political solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the safety and well-being of all Syrians.
Senior Editor: Dr. Khalil,thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on this critical issue.
