Syria launches probe into death of ‘White Helmet’ rescuer in police custody

Family members allege security officers ignored warnings about the man’s hemophilia and subjected him to severe, continuous physical abuse. Public outrage has exploded in Syria following reports of that a former “White Helmet” rescue worker has died after being tortured in police custody. Protests were called on Monday in Syria’s Latakia province, a day after Mohammed Gamira died in hospital after being held at a police station over a financial dispute. The prospect of death and mistreatment in detention is sensitive for Syrians due to years of widespread torture by police and security forces under the regime of former President Bashir al-Assad. Nationwide protests are now planned for Tuesday.

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Scoop News DeskSyria · Published Monday, August 17, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTCUpdated Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC

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In a statement, the Latakia Internal Security Command said an investigation has been launched into the events that occurred while Gamira was being held at the Haffeh police station. “He sustained a brain haemorrhage as well as other internal bleeding in his abdomen, and he died last night,” said Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett, reporting from Latakia on Monday.

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