Syrians open the gates of Sidney prison.Photo: Euronews.
After the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the world has been exposed to terrible details about the hell of the Seidna prison, one of the most horrific symbols of dictatorship in Syria. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing Cursorinfo.
In an exclusive interview with Channel 12, Syrian political activist and former prisoner Suhail Dian shared his story of torture, indomitable spirit and faith in a brighter future.
The road to hell: arrest and imprisonment
In 1987, 22-year-old Suhail Dian was arrested for his involvement in the banned communist party. He was sentenced to six and a half years in Seydn, a prison known for its brutality.
“In this place, time stops. You are fighting for your life every minute. It’s a real slaughterhouse for those who dare to think differently,” Diane recalls.
The most terrible test was an electric chair, where he was tortured to the point of paralysis.
“Every session was unbearable. My body was breaking down, but my spirit remained unbreakable. I paid a high price for my dream of a free Syria,” says the activist.
Art in the face of terror
Despite the unbearable conditions, Dian found the strength to create. His paintings created in detention reflect the horrors of Syrian torture chambers. Among them are the symbolic work Torture Chair and the satirical Four of Dictator Bashar al-Assad.
“Damascus hides hundreds of secret prisons. What the world sees now is just the tip of the iceberg,” the artist emphasises.
Syria after the fall of the dictatorship
Dian met the news of the Assad regime’s collapse with hope.
“Syria should become a democratic country where the rule of law is above radical ideas. We deserve this,” he said.
At the same time, Dian distanced himself from supporting radical leaders such as Abu Muhammad al-Julani:
“The future of Syria is peace, not violence. Our fight should be for justice, not radicalism.”
A call for peace
At the end of the interview, Suhail Dian addressed the Israelis:
“Lend a helping hand. We all deserve to live in freedom, dignity and justice. We have a chance to create a common future. Let’s not waste it.”
