Damascus, Syria – “Palestinian Branch”, also known as Branch 235, is an intelligence-run prison in Syria that strikes fear and disgust into everyone in the country.

The notorious building, built in 1969 on the southern outskirts of Damascus, is known for the Syrian regime’s systematic torture of its opponents and its close surveillance of its own people.

The branch emerged in the 1980s with the initial task of monitoring Palestinian groups and all matters related to Palestine. It later handled more and more files until it handled more files than any other branch and became known as It was widely known for its brutal torture methods and inhumane conditions. .

During the early stages of the Syrian revolution, this branch allegedly specifically targeted residents of areas south of Damascus, specifically Midan, Kadam, Daf Shok and Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camps.

Outside the Palestinian branch, military trucks were parked haphazardly and mattresses, documents and photos were scattered on the floor, along with military uniforms and boots.

On December 8, 2024, the Syrian regime collapsed and opposition forces released prisoners from the regime’s control, telling harrowing stories of torture and suffering.

Within the branches, the cells tell the stories of the people who lived through it. There are cameras in every cell, and there are fingernail drawings and writings on the walls, or whatever else the detainees can find. There was a bit of scabies ointment left in one of the cells.

Moving around the basement is now difficult because the sewage system has failed and some corridors and cells are filled with standing water.

There were also toilets in the basement, and guards would take detainees there every morning to beat and humiliate them.

Abu Jaber, who was imprisoned in cell number seven, recounted the torture he endured in this cell from the moment he entered it: “They whipped us. It took two days to recover from the pain .

“After I left, I was afraid to pass near (our cell) even though it was right on my road. I would take longer walks to avoid it.”

Each detainee is assigned a number based on the cell in which he or she is placed. For example, “Group 2 33” means the 33rd detainee in the second cell group.

Upstairs is what former prisoners call the “torture chamber.” A dark, gray room with a large glass window on one of the walls.