This incident was captured, and can be watched on YouTube by following these links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n6xU5U4uaY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnwbRO8kncI

Mr Hamda was later seen in Al-Khateeb detention centre which lies in the Damascus city centre, according to some recently released detainees. This centre is under the direct supervision of the state security forces, and is notorious for torture and mistreatment. The released detainees also stated that Mr Hamda was still bleeding profusely upon his arrival to the centre and could not move his lower limbs. Despite his condition, his serious injuries were not attended to adequately, and he was detained in one of the centre's many cells that are designed for solitary confinement. His injuries quickly became swollen, causing him horrendous pain. Some witnesses feared for his life.

Despite the compelling evidence that he had been arrested, was detained and that his health condition was critical, the Syrian state security forces did not admit his detention. His family, who had no news of him subsequent to the release of the other detainees, are deeply anxious and fear for his life.

Given this information, Alkarama has submitted the case of Mr Hamda to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances on 15 December 2011, and also informed the Commission of Inquiry on Syria. Alkarama calls on the Syrian authorities to release Mr Hamda immediately, and to ensure that he receives the medical treatment necessary to treat his wounds, and to honour its international commitments regarding the treatment of prisoners and detainees.