Syrian man in Scotland celebrates as family freed from Assad’s brutal prisons after 15 years

A Syrian refugee living in Edinburgh, Scotland, is celebrating the liberation of his family after they spent 15 years in prisons under the brutal Assad regime in Syria. Dr. Amer Masri, who moved to Edinburgh in 2007 to study for his PhD at Edinburgh University, welcomed the fall of the Assad regime along with his wife Marwa and their two sons Taym and Elias. Amer shared his experiences growing up in Damascus, where even the mention of criticism against the regime could lead to severe consequences, including arrests and disappearances of friends and relatives.

He expressed relief and joy at the overthrow of the regime, as his family members who were detained for over a decade have now been freed. Throughout the civil war in Syria, Amer and his wife maintained close contact with their family back home and waited anxiously for the confirmation of Assad’s departure. Despite the positive developments, Amer and his wife are cautious about returning to Syria permanently, considering the ongoing uncertainties and complexities of the situation in their homeland.

Amer envisions a future for Syria built on inclusivity, accountability for war crimes, and a peaceful transition of power to a civil government that represents all Syrians. He remains optimistic about the prospects for peace and prosperity in Syria but acknowledges the challenges and potential risks that lie ahead, including the presence of armed groups and foreign influences exploiting the power vacuum. As they contemplate their next steps, Amer and his family await further developments in Syria before making any long-term decisions about returning.

In conclusion, Amer’s story is a poignant reminder of the hope and resilience of refugees who yearn for a better future for their homeland and their families. It highlights the complexities and challenges faced by those who have been displaced by conflict and the long journey towards peace and reconciliation.