ANF entered the prison in Hesekê recently captured from the regime. YPG, YPJ, Asayish and HPC forces inflicted heavy blows against the regime during the clashes over past week, captured hundreds of soldiers, and neutralized tens of soldiers. Neşwa Şerki, Xweran and other neighborhoods were liberated from the regime by YPG, YPJ, Asayish and HPC forces, which captured the Economy University, stadium, wheat silo, culture-arts center and the prison on the 7th day of the clashes.

HESEKÊ PRISON: PEOPLE’S WORST NIGHTMARE

Known as the center of fear and torture, Hesekê prison was built by Jamal Abdulnasser as a result of the cooperation between Syria and Egypt and had a capacity of 200 people. The prison is the 3rd largest such facility in Syria, after the Adre and Meselemiye prisons in Damascus and Aleppo, and had 700 people imprisoned by the Ba’athist regime.

Since the Ba’athist regime came to power in Syria in 1963, Hesekê prison has been used as the center of fear and torture in Cizre canton. The regime has tortured and mistreated Kurdish political and other prisoners here, and kept political and ordinary prisoners together. Kurdish people cannot help but think of the torture and pain caused by the regime when they hear the word Hesekê.

After the provocation of Ba’athis forces, a fire broke out in the prison and 61 people lost their lives on March 24, 1993.

YPG/YPJ LIBERATED THE PRISON TO HAND IT OVER TO ASAYISH

After the operation of YPG and YPJ forces, regime soldiers did not only leave behind the prisoners but also their guns, ammunition, and military vehicles. Batons, gas masks, shields and other devices were also left behind at the prison.

PRISONERS HAPPY TO BE LIBERATED FROM THE REGIME

Prisoners of the Ba’athist regime welcomed the arrival of Rojava forces and expressed their happiness at having been liberated from the regime. The prisoners were kept here for different crimes such as murder, but there are those like Celal who were imprisoned for not serving in the regime’s army. Celal had come to Hesekê to apply for a passport but was imprisoned for not having served as a soldier and for having relatives that had joined the YPG. Celal was freed by the YPG and stated that they were tortured for being Kurds and had not received even water over the past 10 days.

YPG and YPJ forces are handing over the control of the prison to Asayish forces.