This Video Depicts a Museum in Vietnam, Not a Syrian Detainee in Saydnaya Prison

Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. The video is actually an artistic simulation of a prison cell in a museum in Vietnam, not a Syrian detainee in Saydnaya Prison.

Artistic Simulation of a Prison Cell at Vietnamese Museum

The circulating footage showcases an artistic reconstruction of a prison cell in the prisoner exhibit section of the War Remnants Museum, located in Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, southeastern Vietnam.

Misbar identified the same scene in the circulating video on a YouTube channel featuring a tour inside the same Vietnamese museum, posted on March 15, 2017.

Using Google Maps and its virtual tour feature, Misbar confirmed that the video was filmed on Phu Van Tan Street, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The cell doors visible in the footage matched those shown in the circulating video.

The War Remnants Museum, established on September 4, 1975, is one of Vietnam's most significant cultural landmarks. It is a member of the Vietnamese Museums Network, the International Network of Museums of Peace, and the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

The museum specializes in collecting and preserving evidence that highlights the human cost and consequences of aggressive wars against Vietnam. Its mission is to raise awareness about the importance of peace and solidarity among nations.

The museum features nine permanent exhibitions, as well as temporary and traveling exhibits. It attracts approximately one million visitors annually from around the world. Additionally, the museum hosts events to facilitate exchanges with war eyewitnesses and share experiences.

Opposition Forces Free Detainees From Saydnaya Prison

The claim emerged following reports that armed opposition factions, in collaboration with Syrian civilians, managed to access the 'Red Section' of Saydnaya Prison in the Damascus countryside. This prison is considered one of Syria's most heavily fortified military facilities.

Videos shared online showed hundreds of detainees exiting Saydnaya Prison, visibly emaciated and severely malnourished. Many appeared disoriented and unaware of their surroundings, likely a result of the harsh conditions they had endured.

According to sources, the operation lasted several hours due to the complexity of security measures, which involved the use of specific codes to unlock cells. Additionally, the 'Red Section' is located three floors underground, making access even more challenging and adding to the operation's difficulties.

On Sunday, December 8, armed opposition factions announced their control of Saydnaya Prison and the release of its detainees after toppling the Assad regime. In a statement, the opposition declared: 'We bring the Syrian people the glad tidings of liberating our captives, breaking their chains, and announcing the end of an era of injustice in Saydnaya Prison.'

A 2017 report by Amnesty International described Saydnaya Prison as a 'human slaughterhouse,' documenting systematic mass executions and severe torture of detainees. The report revealed that prisoners faced extreme abuse, including deprivation of food, water, and medical care, leading to numerous deaths. Amnesty International concluded that these acts constitute crimes against humanity.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Saydnaya Prison had opened its doors to thousands of detainees held by the Syrian regime's security apparatus for years. Many detainees, who endured brutal torture, were finally freed. The Observatory also noted that opposition forces liberated detainees from Adra Central Prison in the Damascus countryside and the Central Prison in Homs.

Assad Flees to Russia After Agreement To Secure Two Russian Military Bases

A Kremlin source reported yesterday that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family arrived in Moscow after Russia granted them humanitarian asylum. This followed the armed opposition’s takeover of Damascus and the regime's collapse.

Earlier, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Assad had left Syria and issued orders for a peaceful transfer of power. The ministry emphasized Russia's support for a political resolution to the Syrian crisis.

The statement further noted that Russia had engaged in negotiations with key parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safety of its military bases in Syria. While these bases remain on high alert, they face no immediate threats.

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