Testimonies from the Shadows: A Syrian Family's Descent into Trauma

In a poignant recounting, Syrian refugee Douna Haj Ahmed learns of her husband Abdullah's traumatic experiences during his time in Al-Khatib prison, known for its brutal conditions. As they navigate the aftermath of Syria's civil war, the couple finds strength in sharing their story, aiming to bring awareness to the atrocities endured by countless others.

In early December, Douna Haj Ahmed, a Syrian refugee living in London, stumbled upon a shocking revelation about her husband, Abdullah Al Nofal, when news coverage showcased prisoners fleeing after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. As they watched distressing footage together, Abdullah revealed, "This is where I was arrested, this is the place." For Douna, this marked a moment of profound revelation, shedding light on the harrowing circumstances her husband had faced during his detention in the notorious Al-Khatib prison, described by many as "Hell on Earth."

Douna, a human rights activist, had long suspected her husband's experience was traumatic, yet this was the first time he openly detailed the horrors he had endured. "It was a turning point," she reflects, noting that witnessing Abdullah's vulnerability brought them closer together. "I saw him weak. I saw him crying," Douna recalls, as Abdullah confronted the chilling possibility that he could have been among those tortured or killed.

Abdullah's ordeal began in July 2013 when he was intercepted at a checkpoint while working as a storeroom keeper for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Damascus. Despite initially participating in peaceful protests during the uprising in 2011, he had distanced himself as violence escalated. After being handcuffed and blindfolded, Abdullah was thrust into solitary confinement for three agonizing days, enveloped in darkness and despair.

Later transported to Al-Khatib, he was crammed into a cell with around 130 others, surrounded by the anguished sounds of torture. He later learned that an estimated 60,000 detainees suffered similarly under the Assad regime, with evidence of rampant human rights violations emerging from various detention centers.

While in captivity, Abdullah bore witness to unspeakable horrors, including the deaths of fellow inmates, and was subjected to physical violence during relentless interrogations. He recounted the helplessness that overwhelmed him as he watched other prisoners return from torture sessions, their bodies marred by blood and open wounds. Paralyzed by fear, Abdullah fabricated a false narrative to avoid further punishment, and fortuitously, he was released after a month.

Years later, having settled in London with Douna and experiencing a reduced sense of danger, Abdullah finally felt ready to share his story. "We can say we are really free right now," he declared. Douna acknowledged the privilege of being able to articulate their experiences, contrasting their ability to speak out with the countless victims who never received a voice.

Their poignant testimonies highlight not just their journey of survival but also the urgent need for recognition of the atrocities that occurred in Syria. As the couple strives to raise awareness about the plight of their countrymen, they are determined to ensure the world hears the stories of the silenced and the suffering. "This regime has reached the maximum of horrors," Douna lamented, marveling at the depths of despair that continue to emerge. "There could be more."