Syrian Police Officer Arrested Over Custody Death of Former White Helmets Volunteer

A Syrian police officer has been detained and faces potential criminal prosecution following an investigation into the death of a detainee with a medical condition who died shortly after being released from custody.

Syria’s Interior Ministry announced on Thursday that 29-year-old Mohammad Ghamira died after being struck by police investigator Ahmad Jawad. Jawad has been taken into custody and referred to the public prosecutor.

Ghamira, who passed away on Sunday, suffered from haemophilia, a rare medical condition that prevents blood from clotting properly and causes sufferers to bleed more easily and for longer periods. The father of two was a former member of the White Helmets, a civil defence organisation comprised of volunteers operating in rebel-held areas in Syria to conduct search and rescue operations and provide medical care following government attacks.

Investigators discovered that Ghamira had previously informed internal security personnel about his condition, while his wife had twice warned authorities regarding the potential danger to his health. Ahmad Latouf, head of the investigation committee and assistant interior minister for police affairs, confirmed that Ghamira died from a brain haemorrhage believed to have resulted from the slap. Two other police officers are currently under investigation but are not facing immediate prosecution.

The death of Ghamira has triggered widespread public anger in Syria, drawing parallels to the systematic human rights abuses under former President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by rebels in December 2024. Although the new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged to usher in a new era focused on human rights and an inclusive government, human rights groups have continued to document abuses by government forces, particularly targeting minority groups.

During a statement on Thursday, the Interior Ministry condemned Jawad for violating official instructions and the code of conduct, which strictly bans any form of humiliating or abusive treatment of detainees. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab emphasized the ministry's dedication to uncovering the truth and holding wrongdoers accountable.

Reporting from the northwestern port city of Latakia, Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett noted that the Syrian government has promised further measures, including surveillance in police stations and enhanced officer training. Pett highlighted that the case has deeply resonated due to Ghamira's background as a young father and respected White Helmets volunteer, as well as mounting concerns over ongoing mistreatment within detention facilities documented by Syrian rights organisations.

Ghamira had been arrested the previous week on accusations of theft before being released and subsequently dying at a hospital in Latakia on Sunday. Forensic examinations revealed no visible signs of violence, severe force, skull fractures, or traumatic wounds.