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Seven detained in Syria over death of man in custody
Syrian authorities detain seven personnel and form an investigative committee after Mohammed Gamira dies in hospital following custody at a police station in Latakia province.
Seven detained in Syria over death of man in custody
FILE: A member of police forces stands at a site in the Bab Sharqi district of Damascus. /Reuters

Seven people were detained in Syria on Sunday after reports that a young man died while in custody.

Mohammed Gamira, who was held in Syria’s Latakia province on suspicion of theft.

In a statement, the Latakia Internal Security Command said an investigation had been launched into the events that occurred while Gamira was being held at the Haffeh police station.

Gamira is said to have been held for three days before his health deteriorated and he was transferred to intensive care.

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In a statement on Telegram, the Interior Ministry's Security Command said the investigation would examine the circumstances of Gamira’s detention and whether the procedures carried out against him complied with legal requirements.

The command said seven personnel who were on duty at the police station's detention facility while Gamira was being held had been detained as part of the investigation.

It said the individuals were detained to shed full light on the incident and complete the investigation.

The measure was taken based on the findings of a specialised committee established to investigate the case, the authorities said.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab offered his condolences to Gamira’s family and relatives. Any violations or misconduct by the Interior Ministry personnel would be dealt with "firmly" in accordance with the laws, Khattab said on US social media platform X.

"Anyone found responsible will receive their due punishment, regardless of who they are, once the investigations are completed," he added.

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SOURCE:Anadolu Agency