The coastal city of Banias is one of the first cities who had huge demonstrations in Syria. Families including men, women, youth and children participated in these demonstrations. We do not exaggerate if we say that Banias’s demonstrations were among the most organized, persistent, and creative in several aspects: newscoverage, photos and video clips and this due to the active young people and their eagerness to deliver their voice to the world. Also, Banias is among the first cities which called for toppling the regime in its demonstrations in the first days.
Banias’s people continue their wonderful demonstrations until thousands of army, security forces and Alshabiha men stormed Banias on May, 17th, 2011. Many were killed and many families were displaced since then. The security forces stormed the houses and tortured its people, and they arrested not only the majority of Banias’s men and youth but also children. Local Coordination Committees of Syria shed light on a father and his son who are now detainees in the Syrian prison
Mohammad Othman Sohyooni
Born 1946, father of a family of 6 sons and 6 daughters from two wives. He is in his 70’s and was working in masonry which caused some illnesses because of his exhausting work. He got a broken shoulder which he never recovered from, and the pain of that fracture remained with him until he was arrested, as he cannot lift his right arm because of it.
He was detained from his home in a very savage way where his age and illness were never respected. He woke up on the sounds of bullets going through the door locks and the security service agents breaking in without waiting until the family opened the door.
Mr Othman didn’t commit any crime, he just demonstrated calling for the freedom which he grew old dreaming of. Today he pays for this freedom with his bod, soul, money and children. Security service broke into his home and his children’s homes, looted and broke doors and belongings and ruined food supplies and furniture. Their hidden malice and secularism was clear in their barbaric actions.
Bassam Mohammad Sohyooni (Abou Abdallah)
Born in 1972, Scientific high school graduate and studied religion in university, Abou Alnour compound. He obtained a masters in religious science, and then got a PhD from Um Aldarman university in 2011. He was detained since the beginning of the invasion of Banyas. He is married with 3 kids; His wife is also pregnant.
He never participated in the demonstrations, since demonstrating and demanding freedom seems to be considered as a crime. They broke into his home, looted and destroyed the belongings and furniture. they broke into his home about 5 times.
His wife and children are left in a dire state as he was the only provider for the family. His mother is in a bad psychological state and suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. She is awaiting his and his father’s return impatiently
