Syrian rebels release political prisoners, sparking celebrations in Damascus

Syrian rebels have freed many political prisoners from government jails in a recent operation. This follows years of harsh conditions in prisons known for torture and executions. The release has sparked celebrations in Damascus, with former detainees expressing disbelief at their newfound freedom. Among those freed was Bashar Barhoum, who had been facing execution after seven months in prison. Videos show prisoners celebrating as they escape, while families of the missing gather outside prisons, hoping to find their loved ones. The situation marks a significant shift in the power dynamics in Syria, as tens of thousands of detainees have been released in the past ten days. Families continue to search for relatives who have been missing for years, highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict.