Ankara: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized Syria's potential for recovery, describing the infamous Sednaya Prison as a symbol of the brutality under the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. He noted that Syria now has a 'moment of opportunity' to move beyond years of conflict and build a stable and inclusive future.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres made these remarks on Sunday after visiting Sednaya Prison, located north of Damascus, marking his first trip to Syria as a UN secretary-general since 2009. The visit highlighted the oppressive conditions under the previous regime. In a video statement, Guterres described the dire living conditions within the prison, where approximately 35 prisoners endured harsh conditions with insufficient food.

Guterres' visit to the notorious detention facility came alongside Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, as reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). He also toured the Umayyad Mosque and the historic Old City of Damascus. Sednaya Prison is internationally recognized for its systematic torture and extrajudicial killings, with thousands of detainees reportedly perishing within its walls.

During his three-day visit, Guterres engaged in discussions with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, reiterating the UN's dedication to Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He urged global support for the nation's recovery.

The historical context of Syria's political landscape was marked by the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, 2024, following his rule that began in 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez Assad, who governed from 1971 to 2000.