Syrian Driver's Harrowing Tale of Imprisonment Under Assad Regime

Life Under Assad: A Syrian Driver's Story of Imprisonment and Resilience Syria, May 23, 2025 - A recent video posted online has brought to light a harrowing account of life under the Assad regime in Syria. The video features a travel vlogger interviewing a Syrian gas truck driver who describes his imprisonment and torture in 2014. The driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, explains that he was arrested in Damascus after refusing to pay a bribe to a government official. "I was in Damascus, and an officer asked me for money," the driver recounts in the video. "I refused, so they put me in prison." His ordeal included severe torture, with the driver showing visible scars and explaining how they cut off his fingernails. The video also highlights the severe water shortages experienced by many Syrians under Assad's rule. "They didn't give us water for four months," the driver states, shaking his head. "Five months, nothing." This account of deprivation adds another layer to the understanding of the harsh conditions faced by ordinary citizens. The video concludes with the driver's continued work, highlighting his resilience in the face of adversity. The vlogger's shocked reactions underscore the gravity of the situation, creating a powerful narrative that demands attention to human rights issues in Syria.