Ayat Issam Ahmed, a university student from Damascus, was arrested on 18 October 2009, after receiving a summons to appear at the Political Security branch in Al-Fayha, Damascus, where she was questioned about her religious beliefs. During her interrogation, Ayat Issam Ahmed was exposed to various forms of torture, which eventually led a severe deterioration in her health. Following her incarceration, her house was raided; as officers carried out a warrantless search during which they confiscated several books as well are her computer.