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In Damascus... Journalist Reports Assault by Masked Security Officer
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The assault on journalist Mohammad Al-Ibrahim highlights the problematic relationship between security forces and citizens in the absence of strict legal safeguards and effective oversight
Journalist Mohammad Al-Ibrahim, an employee at the Syrian News Channel, stated that he was subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault by a masked officer from the General Security Directorate at a checkpoint in Damascus. The incident underscores deep-rooted issues in the interactions between security forces and civilians—even those working for state-affiliated media.
In a Facebook post, Al-Ibrahim recounted: "Today, I trust my state and government because no one is above the law... This morning, I was stopped at a General Security checkpoint in Damascus. A masked officer insulted me with degrading words (‘I feel like grinding you into the ground,’ among other slurs) and then struck me on the shoulder with his baton—all without any justification."
Such actions raise serious questions about the adherence of security personnel to legal and professional standards when dealing with civilians.
Al-Ibrahim added that the incident occurred after the officer questioned him about his destination and occupation. He noted: "The officer was clearly trying to provoke me, but I remained calm. I went directly to the security branch and filed an official complaint, hoping for justice from the relevant authorities."
Reactions to his post were sharply divided. Some viewed the assault as emblematic of a "deep-seated culture of impunity," while others argued that the mere ability to publicly file a complaint signals "a notable improvement compared to previous years." These contrasting perspectives reveal the profound divide in assessing citizen-security force relations.
One commenter wrote: "I swear I’ve never seen ‘polite’ police anywhere in the world... Argue with them, and they’ll swarm you, stomp you to the ground, and kick you in the gut." Another added: "Sixty years of institutional behavior won’t vanish overnight. Officers need years of training to improve their conduct." Such remarks reflect an awareness of how difficult institutional reform is without comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Some questioned Al-Ibrahim’s trust in the state, while others pointed out that many security personnel "lack proper training." These observations emphasize the urgent need to revise recruitment and training standards to ensure officers respect citizens’ rights.
The incident has reignited debates over accountability, security sector reform, and the protection of journalists—even those aligned with state media—in an environment where unchecked authority often prevails.
