Kurdish Security Asayish Release Prisoners from Former Regime Prison in northern Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Kurdish Internal Security Forces (Asayish) on Monday released prisoners held in a detention facility formerly controlled by the Assad regime in the city of Qamishli, northeast Syria.
The prison, known locally as the “Black Prison,” was located within the regime zone (locally known as security zone) of the city and had been under the administration of the Syrian government prior to its withdrawal.
This development comes a day after the formal announcement of the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the takeover of Damascus by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied opposition forces.
The Release of Prisoners
According to North Press correspondents, Asayish forces freed 11 individuals, including three women, from the Black Prison after the facility and other government-controlled centers in Qamishli were vacated.
“The prisoners were convicted of civilian crimes,” an Asayish spokesperson stated. “Their release represents a step toward clearing remnants of the former regime’s presence and policies in the area.”
Regime’s Withdrawal from Qamishli
In the aftermath of Assad’s fall, Syrian government forces retreated from key positions in the security zone of Qamishli, which had served as a focal point of government authority in the region. This withdrawal included the evacuation of state institutions, security centers, and the notorious Black Prison.
The Asayish forces quickly moved to secure these locations to maintain order and prevent any resurgence of lawlessness. Their actions were part of broader efforts by local authorities to stabilize areas previously influenced by the Assad regime.
Symbolic and Practical Implications
The release of prisoners and the clearing of the Black Prison carry significant symbolic weight for residents of Qamishli. The facility had long been associated with human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, harsh conditions, and reports of mistreatment under the Assad regime.
Nadia, a Qamishli resident whose relative was among those released, expressed mixed emotions.
“We are relieved to see them free, but we cannot forget the suffering they endured inside. This marks a new chapter for our community,” she said.
While most of those detained were reportedly imprisoned for non-political offenses, the legacy of the prison remains a stark reminder of the regime’s oppressive policies in the region.
The Broader Context
The fall of the Assad regime has created a power vacuum across many parts of Syria, prompting swift actions by local and opposition forces to fill the void. In northeastern Syria, the Asayish has played a critical role in maintaining security and preventing chaos.
The move to release prisoners aligns with efforts by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) to assert administrative control and address longstanding grievances of the population.
In addition to releasing prisoners, local authorities have been coordinating efforts to secure other former regime-held facilities and institutions in Qamishli, ensuring that their transition to new management is orderly and transparent.