Syria opens investigation into death of White Helmet rescuer in police custody

Family members have accused security officers of disregarding medical warnings concerning a man’s hemophilia and subsequently subjecting him to severe abuse. The allegations, presented in a statement to local media, assert that staff were aware of the individual’s bleeding disorder but failed to adjust their handling procedures, leading to injuries that required emergency medical attention.

According to the family, the man was detained at a regional detention facility in early March, where officers allegedly employed restraints and physical force despite prior notices from his healthcare providers about the heightened risk of internal bleeding. The family’s claim includes descriptions of bruising, excessive force during transport, and delayed medical care. Facility officials have declined to comment on the specifics of the case but confirmed that an internal review has been initiated and that the department’s oversight board has been notified. The state’s Department of Corrections has also announced that it will cooperate with any external investigations and that standard protocols for handling detainees with medical conditions are being re‑examined.

The matter remains under investigation, with authorities stating that findings will be released once the review is complete. No charges have been filed at this time, and the family is seeking accountability and policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.