Detained without trial for over three years for allegedly treating “terrorists” (as opponents of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were deemed), Alaa al-Khalil, a 33-year-old nurse from the Syrian city of Hama, has finally been released from her prison cell. In an exclusive interview, she recounts the agony of her time in captivity, sharing a cell with at least 35 other women.
Alaa al-Khalil was just like any other healthcare worker in Syria, dedicated to saving lives and helping those in need. However, her life was turned upside down when the Syrian regime began its brutal crackdown on dissent in 2011. In the eyes of the regime, anyone who opposed President Assad was considered a “terrorist,” and Alaa quickly became a target.
She was taken from her home in the middle of the night and thrown into a prison cell without any trial or evidence against her. For over three years, she endured cruel and inhumane treatment at the hands of her captors. “I was beaten, tortured, and forced to sign false confessions,” Alaa recalls. “But what was most unbearable was the constant fear and uncertainty about my fate.”
Sharing a cell with at least 35 other women, Alaa was forced to live in cramped conditions with limited access to basic necessities. The cell was infested with insects, and the women were only allowed to shower once a week. “We were treated like animals, not human beings,” she says. “But the worst part was seeing fellow inmates being tortured and killed in front of us.”
Despite the harsh conditions, Alaa and her cellmates formed a strong bond and supported each other through their ordeal. “We became like a family, giving each other strength to endure and hope for a better future,” she says. “It was the only thing that kept us going.”
In 2014, Alaa’s case was finally brought to court, but she was unable to defend herself. The charges against her were vague, and she was not given any legal representation. Despite this, she was still found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
But thanks to the efforts of human rights organizations and the international community, Alaa was released just a few months ago. Stepping out of prison, she was greeted by her family and friends, who had never given up hope for her release. “It was like a dream come true,” she says with tears in her eyes. “I couldn’t believe I was finally free.”
Alaa’s story is not an isolated one. Thousands of innocent civilians have been detained and subjected to torture and abuse in Syria’s prisons. Many have lost their lives, and countless others are still waiting for justice. Alaa considers herself lucky to have escaped with her life and is determined to seek justice for those who were not as fortunate.
“I want the world to know the reality of what is happening in Syria,” she says. “The regime is using the excuse of combating terrorism to silence any form of dissent, and innocent people like me are being caught in the crossfire.”
Today, Alaa is working with human rights organizations to shed light on the atrocities committed by the Syrian regime and advocate for the release of other political prisoners. She is also dedicated to providing medical assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict, despite the risks involved.
“I cannot turn my back on my people and my country,” she says. “I have seen the worst of humanity, but I have also seen the strength and resilience of the human spirit. I will continue to fight for justice and freedom for Syria.”
Alaa’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope. Despite the dark days she faced in prison, she emerged as a beacon of light, determined to bring justice and healing to her war-torn country. Her bravery and courage serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
