A police officer was detained in Syria following the death of a "White Helmets" volunteer
The Syrian Ministry of the Interior detained police investigator Ahmad Jawad following the death of 29-year-old “White Helmets” volunteer Mohammad Gamira, who had been in custody. Jawad has been handed over to the prosecutor; depending on the outcome of the investigation, he may face criminal charges, according to Al Jazeera English.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, Gamira died after the investigator struck him in the face with the palm of his hand. Ahmad Latuf, head of the investigative commission and Deputy Minister of the Interior for Police Affairs, stated that the man suffered a brain hemorrhage, which was likely caused by the slap.
Ghamira had hemophilia—a rare condition in which blood does not clot properly, causing a person to bleed more easily and for longer periods. The investigation found that he had informed internal security personnel about his medical condition. His wife had warned authorities twice about the potential danger of being struck.
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The man, a father of two, was detained last week on suspicion of theft. He was subsequently released, and on Sunday he died at a hospital in Latakia. During the forensic medical examination, experts found no visible signs of violence or the use of significant force, nor did they find any skull fractures or traumatic wounds.
Two other police officers are under investigation as part of the probe, but no criminal charges are currently expected against them. The Ministry of the Interior accused Jawad of violating departmental instructions and the code of conduct, which prohibit any humiliating or cruel treatment of detainees.
Interior Minister Anas Hattab stated that the results of the investigation demonstrated the ministry’s intention to establish the truth and hold accountable those whose guilt is proven. Hamira’s death sparked significant public outcry in Syria. He was a volunteer with the “White Helmets,” a civil defense organization whose members conducted search-and-rescue operations and provided medical assistance in areas under rebel control.
