The opposition National Syrian Coalition warned on Friday of an “imminent massacre” by Syrian regime forces at Central Hama Prison, Safa news agency has reported. Inmates have called for the International Red Cross and other organisations to intervene as a matter of great urgency to prevent such a massacre.
Just hours after the inmates’ plea was made, Syrian regime forces broke into the prison, firing tear gas and live ammunition, said Aljazeera.com. Two inmates were critically wounded.
The situation in Hama Prison has deteriorate since 650 political prisoners announced a disobedience protest following reports that the regime intended to move a number of them to another prison in Damascus. The prison in question is notorious for extrajudicial killings.
“The prisoners in Hama reached exploding point due to unbearable pressure, tragic conditions and the complete absence of organisations specialising in prisoners’ welfare,” said the opposition coalition.
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