A local fact check has revealed that the individual whom CNN assisted in liberating from a covert detention center in Syria was, in fact, a well-known member of Bashar al-Assad’s forces notorious for torturing individuals who declined to provide bribes.
Last week, a video of the surprised prisoner being escorted out of the prison by journalist Clarissa Ward caused a sensation on the internet. Ward, who has been reporting for two decades, described it as one of the most remarkable moments she has ever witnessed.
According to a detailed report published by Verify-Sy, the fact-checking organization, the individual who appeared to be an innocent prisoner is actually Salama Mohammad Salama, a first lieutenant in Syrian air force intelligence. Salama has a notorious reputation for his alleged involvement in numerous war crimes.
CNN admitted to The Post that they have been conducting an investigation into the background of the individual in question. They are aware that this person may have provided a false identity. Furthermore, CNN stated that they are continuing their reporting on this matter and the broader story.
Assad made his first statement since the rebels toppled his regime, claiming that he was forced to flee Syria. He put the blame on his troops for the collapse of his regime.
In a recent CNN story, Ward and her camera crew accompanied a rebel fighter as they explored a former Syrian air force intelligence headquarters in Damascus. During their visit, they made a surprising discovery – a man locked in a windowless cell, hidden under a blanket. With their intervention, they were able to set him free.
Adel Ghurbal, a man who introduced himself by that name, stated that he had been detained by government authorities three months ago. Surprisingly, he seemed unaware that the Assad regime had already collapsed.
Verify-Sy pointed out that he looked well-groomed and physically healthy, with no visible injuries or signs of torture. This portrayal seemed incongruous considering he was supposedly held in solitary confinement in the dark for 90 days.
Israeli jets carried out a devastating weekend blitz, obliterating Syrian weapon stockpiles.
Despite not having seen sunlight for three months, he did not flinch or blink, even when gazing up at the sky.
Verify-Sy discovered that there was no existing record of an individual named Adel Ghurbal in the region. This revelation ultimately led them to uncover the true identity of the person in question, who was actually known as Salama.
According to local residents, a man named Salama, also known as “Abu Hamza,” was employed at multiple security checkpoints in Homs. It is alleged that Salama engaged in illegal activities such as theft, extortion, and forcing residents to become informants for Assad’s regime.
According to local accounts, he spent less than a month in the prison where he was eventually found. This was allegedly the result of a disagreement with a senior officer regarding the division of the money that had been extorted.
According to the CNN report, Salama was liberated by the rebel fighters, who provided him with a meal before transferring him to the care of EMTs.
CNN has denied the allegations that the piece was fabricated.
CNN stated that only their team was aware of their plans to visit the prison building featured in their report that day. They emphasized that the events unfolded exactly as depicted in their film.
