Conflicting Reports Surround the Death of Former Syrian Mufti Ahmad Hassoun
The prominent scholar had reportedly been rushed to the hospital following severe torture that allegedly left him with critical injuries and visible changes to his physical appearance
Syria, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Unconfirmed reports of the death of former Syrian Grand Mufti (a Muslim legal expert) Ahmad Badruddin Hassoun have sparked widespread debate and concern, as conflicting accounts circulate on social media and alternative news outlets.
Unverified Claims Emerge: Reports of torture and hospitalization intensify concerns
Amidst a flurry of unverified claims regarding the reported death of Sheikh Ahmad Badruddin Hassoun, the news outlet Al-Mashad, citing various sources, reports that the prominent scholar had reportedly been rushed to the hospital following severe torture that allegedly left him with critical injuries and visible changes to his physical appearance.
These reports have intensified public concern and curiosity about the true status of the former Mufti.
Several social media posts and news pages have echoed allegations that Sheikh Hassoun was subjected to brutal treatment while imprisoned. It is claimed that he sustained violent beatings that caused serious deformities to his face and body, leading to major injuries and disfigurement.
As of now, no official statement has been released by Syrian authorities regarding Sheikh Hassoun's condition. However, sources attributed to a medical team have reportedly confirmed that no viable medical intervention was possible given the severity of his state—lending weight to reports of his passing.
Hospitalization and Injury Reports: Accounts detail severe bleeding and alleged abuse
Additional reports from social media channels monitoring Syria's internal situation have alleged that Sheikh Hassoun succumbed to severe bleeding from multiple injuries. Some of these accounts cite unnamed sources within the hospital where he was reportedly treated.
The Syria Intelligence Twitter account, known for tracking internal developments, corroborated claims of torture leading to Sheikh Hassoun’s death. Canadian journalist and war correspondent Eva Bartlett also confirmed via her Telegram account on June 6 that she had received independent verification of the abuse inflicted upon Sheikh Hassoun and his subsequent emergency hospitalization.
Family's Uncertainty: Lack of information fuels suspicion and anxiety
In a development that has only deepened the uncertainty, Sheikh Hassoun’s family has issued a statement expressing that they have no reliable information about his current condition, nor are they aware of his exact place of detention.
Their remarks have intensified public anxiety and suspicion that his situation is being deliberately concealed.
Calls for Transparency: Syrian Observatory demands clarity amid silence
Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) informed the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar that, to date, it could not independently confirm Sheikh Hassoun's death.
The SOHR has demanded the immediate release of the former Mufti and called for full disclosure regarding his status and whereabouts.
Given the nature of the Syrian authorities and the sensitive position Sheikh Hassoun held—as a former state-appointed Mufti under the Assad government and a vocal opponent of takfiri extremism (a term for extremist ideologies that justify violence against Muslims)—many observers believe that any official clarification regarding his fate may be extremely difficult to obtain.
The unfolding situation remains shrouded in ambiguity, as the demand for truth and accountability grows louder.
Political Context: Arrest seen as politically motivated amid ideological tensions
Sheikh Hassoun was reportedly arrested while attempting to leave Syria via Damascus International Airport to undergo surgery in Amman, Jordan.
Although he had already secured the necessary permissions from the relevant authorities, his arrest has been widely viewed as politically motivated—possibly driven by ideological vendettas, given his outspoken opposition to takfiri ideology and his stature as a respected Sunni scholar.
The unfolding situation remains shrouded in ambiguity, as the demand for truth and accountability grows louder both within Syria and across the international community. (PW)