Arabic version: سوريا تحقق في وفاة مُنقذ سابق من الخوذ البيضاء أثناء الاحتجاز

According to Al Jazeera, Syrian authorities have opened an investigation after Mohammed Gamira, a former member of the White Helmets civil defence group, died following detention at the Haffeh police station in Latakia province. His death prompted public outrage and calls for protests in Latakia on Monday, with nationwide protests planned for Tuesday.

Gamira, a father of two, was detained over a financial dispute and died in hospital after his health deteriorated. Photos shared on social media showed him receiving intensive care at Tishreen University Hospital. He was reportedly held for three days before being transferred for medical treatment.

Family members alleged that security officers ignored warnings that Gamira had chronic haemophilia and subjected him to severe physical abuse during a 72-hour period, causing catastrophic internal bleeding. Reporting from Latakia, Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett said he suffered a brain haemorrhage and bleeding in his abdomen before dying.

The Latakia Internal Security Command said it would examine what happened during Gamira’s detention and whether procedures complied with legal requirements. The Syrian Arab News Agency said the inquiry would also consider his health condition. Interior Minister Anas Khattab offered condolences and said any violations or misconduct by ministry personnel would be handled firmly under the law, with those responsible to receive punishment once the investigation is complete.

The case has revived concerns over mistreatment in detention, a particularly sensitive issue after years of widespread torture under former President Bashir al-Assad. Under al-Assad, more than 200,000 people died in Syrian prisons, including through executions and torture, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. President Ahmed al-Sharaa has faced the continuing challenge of establishing the rule of law since leading the offensive that toppled al-Assad.