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Syria Unearths Years of Atrocities

The Daily

Published: Tue Dec 17 2024

Warning: This episode contains descriptions of torture and death. It also contains audio of death and grief. Under Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian government set up a vast network of prisons and torture chambers that swallowed up tens of thousands of people. For years, those perceived as enemies of the regime would disappear into the system, and their families would have no idea what happened to them. Christina Goldbaum, who has covered the events in Syria, takes us inside one of those prisons and tells the story of one man who survived to tell the tale. Guest: Christina Goldbaum, the Afghanistan and Pakistan bureau chief for The New York Times.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Daily - "Syria Unearths Years of Atrocities"

Episode Overview Released on December 17, 2024, The Daily by The New York Times delves deep into the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's fall in Syria. Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise and featuring on-the-ground reporting by Christina Goldbaum, the episode titled "Syria Unearths Years of Atrocities" explores the harrowing discoveries in Syrian prisons, the quest for justice by families, and the nation's struggle to reconcile with its tumultuous past.

1. Introduction to Syria's New Reality

Sabrina Tavernise sets the stage by highlighting the monumental shift in Syria following the collapse of Assad's regime. Tens of thousands of prisoners were released, many after enduring years of detention without clarity on their fate.

  • Sabrina Tavernise [02:17]: "After the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the opening up of Syria, tens of thousands of people were released from prisons across the country. Many had been locked away for years."

2. First Impressions on the Ground

Christina Goldbaum recounts her initial experiences arriving in Damascus shortly after the rebels seized power. The streets were a mix of jubilation and lingering fear as citizens grappled with newfound freedom and the horrors they were uncovering.

  • Christina Goldbaum [03:04]: "We saw posters of Bashar al-Assad that used to be ubiquitous, that had been torn down and either ripped apart or burned."

3. Exploring Sednaya Prison

Goldbaum provides an in-depth look into Sednaya Prison, one of Syria's most notorious detention facilities. Accompanied by local activists, she describes the frantic efforts of families searching for their missing loved ones amidst the remnants of torture chambers and solitary confinement cells.

  • Christina Goldbaum [06:09]: "Prison 2012, they were screaming the names of their relatives who had been lost into this prison."

4. The Plight of the Families

The emotional toll on families is palpable as they navigate the chaotic scenes outside the prison, hoping for answers. The discovery of nearly four dozen bodies paints a grim picture of the atrocities committed, fueling anger and a desperate need for justice.

  • Christina Goldbaum [10:28]: "Some of them had shown signs of what looked to be torture... It was incredibly intense."

5. Bilal Shahadi's Harrowing Story

A central narrative of the episode is Bilal Shahadi's harrowing experience. Arrested for deserting the army, Bilal endured unimaginable conditions in Sednaya, including overcrowded cells, minimal sustenance, and brutal torture. His eventual escape coincided with the regime's collapse, a beacon of hope amidst despair.

  • Bilal Shahadi [18:39]: "My brother in law, he's been in."

  • Christina Goldbaum [18:50]: "He described the conditions in the prison as being just absolutely horrifying."

6. Life Inside Sednaya

Detailed accounts of daily life reveal the dehumanizing conditions prisoners faced. From scarce food and water to constant fear of violence, Bilal's testimony underscores the severe psychological and physical toll of incarceration.

  • Bilal Shahadi [19:07]: "A tiny hole, yeah."

  • Christina Goldbaum [21:16]: "He spent most of the two years that he was in Sednaya praying to die."

7. The Escape and Its Aftermath

Bilal's escape is a pivotal moment, symbolizing the fragile hope for liberation. His account of fleeing the prison, coupled with the emotional reunion with his family, highlights both the relief and the lingering grief over missing relatives.

  • Bilal Shahadi [26:31]: "It was a dream."

  • Christina Goldbaum [27:08]: "They are incredibly grateful and happy and overjoyed that they finally have one of their sons home."

8. Ongoing Search for Justice

Despite Bilal's release, the fate of many remains uncertain. Families continue their relentless search for answers, grappling with the loss of loved ones and the absence of closure. The episode emphasizes the long road ahead for Syria to address past atrocities and heal its fractured society.

  • Christina Goldbaum [30:30]: "What his father kept coming back to was wanting to have their bodies in their arms, to know where they are and to be able to bury them themselves."

Key Takeaways

  • Human Cost of Conflict: The episode underscores the profound personal tragedies resulting from Syria's prolonged conflict, highlighting individual stories amidst broader political upheaval.

  • Quest for Accountability: Families are determined to uncover the truth about their missing loved ones, seeking justice and closure in the wake of systemic abuses.

  • Resilience and Hope: Despite the grim circumstances, stories like Bilal's exemplify resilience and the enduring hope for a better future.

Notable Quotes

  • Christina Goldbaum [06:36]: "Let's go to the other side. And walking around, there were these quiet testimonies of what life was like inside this prison."

  • Bilal Shahadi [19:50]: "I think I lost hope. No."

  • Christina Goldbaum [28:53]: "He wanted some kind of justice for everything that his family had endured."

Conclusion

"Syria Unearths Years of Atrocities" offers a poignant exploration of the lingering scars left by Assad's regime. Through meticulous reporting and personal narratives, The Daily paints a comprehensive picture of Syria's struggle for truth, justice, and healing in the aftermath of profound suffering.

No transcript available.