The Syrian regime has incarcerated thousands upon thousands of protesters ever since Syrians took to the streets on March 15, 2011. While some had been released, others are still detained and subjected to horrid conditions, even after completing their sentence period. Today, as violence continues to occupy their country, Syrians are still capable of turning one of the least hospitable places into an incubator of their revolution.
Detainees in the Central Prison of Homs have initiated an open hunger strike to demand their immediate release on December 27, 2014.
“Until the prison's doors are open”, “we do not need to be put on trial, we are innocent”, with these slogans the strikers protested constant rejection of release, maltreatment and a lack of food and medicine. The prisoners have also announced that the strike will continue until their demands are carried out.
Inmates were able to leak videos and photos of the strike, in which the prisoners cover their faces with signs that read “we want out”. In front of them lay stacks of foodstuffs, which they refuse to consume until their appeals are fulfilled.
The number of detainees held in Homs ranges between 3,000 and 5,000 people, and includes 2,000 prisoners of conscience, who were incarcerated for taking part in anti-government protests. Some of the prisoners have been sentenced for 30 years in jail for protesting peacefully. Some were imprisoned arbitrarily, while others were sentenced without being put on trial or meeting a judge.
With unfailing courage and steadfastness, the hunger strikers have revolted from inside the concrete walls of prison, proving once more that those who rediscovered their voices with the uprising, can never be silenced again.
