The prisoner CNN escorted out of jail after he was freed by Syrian rebels was actually a notorious member of ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, who tricked the outlet and rebels into helping him, according to a local fact checker.
All the clues that Syrian prisoner CNN helped free was hidden Assad 'regime torturer' Salama Mohammad Salama
The viral video of the supposed rescue has since drawn scrutiny over key details regarding Salama’s appearance and reaction to the prison break, with CNN now investigating how their reporters might have been duped.The broadcast crew stumbled upon Salama in what appeared to be the only locked cell in a secret facility in Damascus that had already been emptied.
An armed soldier pulls on the blanket, dramatically revealing a man who immediately sits up and holds up his hands in fright.Verify-Sy, however, found that there was no record of an Adel Ghurbal in the region — leading the fact-checkers to his true identity.What stood out to Verify-Sy was the clear lack of injuries on Salama despite his claim that he was locked up in solitary confinement inside the prison at the Syrian Air Force Intelligence headquarters.
Many on social media were also quick to point out his clean-cut appearance when compared to images of other freed prisoners who were disheveled, malnourished and marked with injuries all over their bodies.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the Syrian rebel leader who overthrew Assad's regime?Abu Mohammed al-Golani is Syria's most recognisable insurgent, having gradually stepped into the limelight since severing ties to al-Qaeda in 2016.
Read more »
Former Syrian prisoners recall horrors of prison, describe joy of fallen Assad regimeOmar Alshogre, a former Syrian prisoner who survived torture in Assad's notorious Sednaya prison, says he is 'joyous' about the fall of the Assad regime.
Read more »
Syrian refugee family hopeful of returning to see loved ones following Assad regime fallThe Alrahmo family has spent eight years making a life in Australia since fleeing war-torn Syria with their six children. Now the Bashar al-Assad regime has fallen, they finally feel safe enough to consider returning home to see loved ones.
Read more »
Syrian Rebels Surround Key City of Hama, Threaten Assad Regime StabilityThe Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that rebels have surrounded Hama city from three sides, putting pressure on the Assad regime. The city's strategic importance for protecting Damascus makes this a significant turn in the ongoing conflict. Government forces are fighting back with support from joint Syrian-Russian warplanes.
Read more »
Syrian rebels take strategic city of Hama in major blow to regime of Bashar al-AssadRebels entered the city of Hama, a key strategic city, dealing a new blow to Syrian President Bassar al-Assad and allies Iran and Russia.
Read more »
Insurgents encircle Syrian capital Damascus as rebellion against Assad regime growsThe Syrian army said it was strengthening its defence lines around Damascus and in the south on Saturday, as panic spread in the capital after the rebels said they were drawing close.
Read more »