Montceau-les-Mines. Syrian refugees in France, they have no news of their father

To tell their story, they sit side by side. Cadet Abd al Rahman arrives from Le Creusot where he has just taken a French course. The eldest, Mohamed, begins to tell the story. The whole family is from Daraa, in the southwest of the country. “Our father was a taxi driver. On October 10, 2012, he was arrested in Damascus. » When we ask them the reason, the answer comes quickly. “There wasn’t any. » They find themselves alone, as children, with their mother and their two sisters. And will be subjected to what Mohamed describes as “psychological torture”.

Fear

“A man called us to ask us to pay the equivalent of €100,000. We didn’t have that amount. He told us “if you pay part, you will receive part of your father’s body”. » They managed to collect a few thousand euros. But their father was not released. They live with fear every day. “Assad’s militia was coming. Broke the door. And was looking for weapons. » In vain.

Flight to Jordan

In 2013, their mother decided to flee to neighboring Jordan. Five years later, in the refugee camp where they are settled, a former Syrian prisoner, who worked with their father, sends them a message: “Don’t look for any more news. Forget me. » Each new approach resulted, according to the witness, in new torture sessions. In 2021, they learn that he is being held in Saydnaya Prison. Without knowing if he is still alive. In November 2023, just before they got the green light from the French Office for Refugee Protection to come to France, a photo reached them. A photo taken in a military hospital in which we see an emaciated man. They are sure it is Anas Al Karad, their father. “Mom passed out when she saw him. »

“He is certainly dead”

This will be the last “proof of life” they collect. Today, their country is liberated. The doors of Saydnaya Prison opened. But their father did not come out. “He is certainly dead, but we don’t know. » An uncertainty which is added to this anger against a regime which “stole their father, their life”. Are they thinking of returning to their native country today? The memories are still too painful. Holders of a 10-year residence permit, they want to concentrate on their future. Continue French lessons and “make furniture”. Without ever forgetting the one they didn’t grow up with. And who would be 48 years old today.