Ibrahim al-Uwayid, a father from Tel Abyad, was detained by terrorists for four years and subjected to daily torture for refusing to cooperate with the terrorist organization PKK/YPG.
Uwayid's ordeal began in April 2019 when he was taken to a so-called military intelligence branch in Tel Abyad. There, he faced severe torture and pressure to collaborate with the organization. Later, he was transferred to various detention centers, including Tabqa prison, where he witnessed numerous human rights violations, poor living conditions, and instances of abuse.
During Türkiye's Peace Spring Operation in 2019, Uwayid and around 900 other detainees were moved from Ayn Issa to Abu Ghazala Prison in Tabka district, which was notorious for its inhumane conditions and further torture. He spent 20 months there.
Uwayid was later taken to the central prison in Raqqa, where he endured another 28 months of incarceration. Despite two supposed trials during his detention, he was sentenced to four years in the second hearing. Throughout this harrowing experience, he yearned for his two children, Rena and Ahmet, and felt the torment of separation from his family.
Uwayid also bore witness to the gross human rights violations perpetrated by the PKK/YPG terrorist organization during his time in detention. He has since returned to his home in Resim Merak village, which was liberated from terrorism in October 2019. Presently, he supports his family through livestock breeding and agriculture.
Speaking to reporters, Uwayid conveyed the following in his comments while recounting his ordeals: "From home to work, from work to home. This is my life. I continue my life with my children Rena and Ahmet. I do not interfere with anyone, I have no relationship with anyone. I was tortured for 39 days until I confessed to the crime I did not commit. They gave me electric shocks and beat me with a baton. In Tabqa prison, they would drop molten nylon on naked prisoners. I stayed here [Abu Ghazala Prison] for 20 months. The lightest torture tool is to stay in single cells for months. We were given food to survive. Everyone was sick, there was no treatment, there was no doctor, no detainee had any connection or communication with his family. Our families did not know whether we were alive or not. We were staying in underground cells. They also threw grenades to suppress the riot. They opened fire randomly from the windows, and instead of listening to us, they tried to kill us directly. That day, at least 10 people were killed. Those who were sick would either see the doctor at the last minute or not. Living there was expensive. You have to spend from your own pocket and meet your special needs such as food and clothes. We also witnessed the death of 15 prisoners in Raqqa due to poor health conditions. I would remember my children every Ramadan and Eid. It was a separate torture for me. I would remember my children's walks, smiles, and happiness in prison. I demand my rights from (PKK/YPG) SDF; I was imprisoned unjustly. I want the international community to hold them accountable. They stole 4 years of my life. Their claims of 'living together, freedom, democracy' are all lies. I want this terrorist organization to be held accountable."
Uwayid recounted the events that unfolded when the terrorist organization raided his home in April 2019 and subsequently attempted to recruit him during his initial interrogation in Tel Abyad. Despite his harrowing experiences, Uwayid remains focused on leading a peaceful life with his children, Rena and Ahmet, refraining from any involvement with illicit activities.
Now a free man, Uwayid is demanding his rights and accountability for the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. He calls upon the international community to hold them responsible for the unjust imprisonment and human rights abuses he endured.
