Asharq Documentary Unveils the Secrets of Saydnaya Prison Through Survivor Testimonies
Asharq Documentary Channel has released its latest original production, "Behind Saydnaya", a powerful documentary that sheds light on the harrowing stories of thousands who endured unimaginable suffering inside Syria's notorious Saydnaya Military Prison. This groundbreaking film is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth look into one of the most secretive and brutal detention centers in the world
A Window Into Untold Suffering
Over the course of 60 minutes, "Behind Saydnaya" captures the testimonies of former detainees who recount their experiences of severe torture. The film also highlights the anguish of families searching tirelessly for their missing loved ones or even their remains. Spanning decades of history, it traces the dark legacy of Saydnaya from the 1980s to its eventual liberation on December 8, 2024, when prisoners were finally freed
The documentary uncovers chilling accounts of life inside the prison. Survivor Mohammad Khalil shares his haunting experience: “We were forced to remain silent even as corpses lay in the cell with us. We couldn’t request their removal unless there were two or three bodies. Many nights, I slept next to lifeless bodies”
Uncovering Mass Graves and Hidden Atrocities
The film delves into the fate of prisoners who perished under torture or through execution, uncovering mass graves where bodies were buried in layered trenches. Among these stories is that of Mazen Hammada, a Syrian dissident who fled to the Netherlands to escape his harrowing ordeal in Saydnaya, only to be lured back to Damascus and re-arrested. His family later identified his body at Harasta Hospital following the regime’s collapse
A Rare Insight Into One of the World’s Most Brutal Prisons
Asharq Documentary’s cameras infiltrated the prison's cells, execution chambers, and so-called “human crushers,” documenting the daily horrors endured by tens of thousands of detainees. Speaking about the film, Asharq Documentary Channel’s Director General, Mohamed El Youssi, said: “This production provides a rare window into one of the most oppressive places in the world. It is more than just a documentary; it is a collection of human testimonies that bring to light the suffering and injustice endured by millions of Syrians”
Available for Free Viewing
"Behind Saydnaya" is now available for free on Asharq Documentary via satellite (Arabsat and Nilesat) and on the video-on-demand platform NOW. Viewers can also access the documentary on the channel’s social media accounts. To watch, visit: https://now.asharq.com/