Adnan Kassar imprisoned for 21 years after beating Bassel al Assad

In Syria, Adnan Kassar, a former equestrian champion, endured 21 years of imprisonment and torture following a competitive victory over Bassel al Assad, the older brother of current president Bashar al Assad, in a horse riding competition. Kassar, who was once a celebrated figure in the sport, was a close friend to Bassel. His victory sparked resentment from Bassel, who had underperformed during the competition. Shortly afterward, Kassar was arrested on vague accusations, which he alleged were fabricated due to Bassel's anger over his defeat. This marked the beginning of a protracted ordeal for Kassar. During his imprisonment, Kassar faced brutal treatment, including severe physical abuse and torture, especially intensified after Bassel al Assad's death in a car crash in 1994. Following his arrest, Kassar was kept underground for six months, subjected to relentless beatings and constant interrogations. His suffering worsened over the years, particularly every anniversary of Bassel's death, as prison authorities blamed him for the tragedy. Kassar also spent a significant part of his sentence in the notorious Tadmur Prison, known for its inhumane conditions. The torture he endured included severe punishments for seemingly minor acts such as praying, a practice met with extreme brutality, resulting in permanent physical damage. Despite numerous appeals from human rights activists during the Syrian revolution, Kassar's name was consistently excluded from amnesty decrees. It wasn’t until June 16, 2014 that he was finally released after sustained international pressure, nearly 22 years after he was arrested. Since his release, Kassar has remained cautious about revealing his experiences due to fears of re-arrest, but he felt compelled to testify about his ordeal after the fall of the Assad regime. He expressed hope that the downfall of the dictatorship marks a turning point for justice in Syria, bringing light to the injustices he and countless others endured during a dark chapter in the country’s history.