Threats Loom Over Syria’s IS Prison as Militant Group Mobilizes

Panorama prison in Syria currently holds 4,500 detainees, primarily foreign nationals accused of supporting the Islamic State. Despite the global decline of IS, prisoners remain isolated, unaware of the external world. Kurdish officials warn of IS’s resurgence following significant changes in Syria’s regime, stressing the growing threat to prison facilities. Poor living conditions and unresolved legal statuses for detainees add to the mounting concerns over human rights violations and public safety.

Syria’s Panorama prison houses approximately 4,500 detainees, consisting mainly of foreign men accused of affiliation with the Islamic State (IS). Despite the fall of IS’s caliphate six years ago, the prisoners remain largely unaware of current global events, learning only fragmented information from sources outside the prison. For example, Muhammad Saqib Raza, a British-Pakistani doctor, mentioned learning that Donald Trump is the U.S. president during a recent visit by human rights workers.

The prison, surrounded by heavy security, operates under strict rules banning contraband items such as weapons and mobile phones. Guards employ anonymity measures for personal safety, fearing possible retribution from IS members. Outside the prison, global attention has shifted away from the thousands of suspected IS fighters still detained, despite warnings from experts about the group’s ongoing activities.

Following Syria’s regime changes and the increase of IS-related activities in northern Syria, Kurdish officials raised alarms about a potential resurgence of IS. They caution that the extremist organization is gradually rebuilding its presence and may target detention facilities, including Panorama prison. The prison director expressed concerns over IS’s adaptability and capacity to reclaim strength from the security vacuum.

The Kurdish authorities currently detain around 65,000 individuals linked to IS, including 42,000 foreign nationals. Advocacy groups have continually urged foreign governments to repatriate their citizens, citing illegal detention practices and poor living conditions within Kurdish facilities. Detainees face hardships, including food shortages and inadequate healthcare, fostering an environment of desperation and unrest.

Past attacks on Panorama prison, including a significant incident in 2022 that resulted in numerous fatalities and escapes, serve as stark reminders of the threats posed by IS. Inside the prison, many detainees, such as Mustafa Hajj-Obeid, openly share their connections to IS, while others, like Raza, deny any affiliation. Prisoners have not undergone any formal trials, leaving them in a perpetual state of limbo with minimal communication from the outside.

The situation in Panorama prison underscores the complexities surrounding the detention of suspected IS fighters and the broader implications of their continued imprisonment. With unresolved legal statuses and ongoing health crises among detainees, the international community faces growing pressure to address these issues seriously. As IS shows signs of resurgence, the need for strategic responses to manage the potential risks they pose becomes increasingly critical.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com