Upon returning to Syria for the first time in 12 years, Kazem Togan, a journalist previously associated with opposition media, inquired about his status at passport control, asking if he was "wanted." The agent confirmed he was on the wanted list of the intelligence branch, which Togan found thrilling.
For over five decades, the Assad regime ruled Syria through fear, where having a name on one of its numerous intelligence lists indicated a high risk of detention and disappearance within the prison system. Many former detainees are now taking pride in their status as "wanted," viewing it as a testament to their resistance against oppression.
The phenomenon of being "wanted" encompassed a range of actions, from political dissent to seemingly innocuous activities like making jokes or living abroad. The majority of those on these lists were men, often due to military obligations or opposition activities, but women and children were also included.
Those who fell under scrutiny faced the threat of torture or execution, leading many to flee or go into hiding. Activists often adopted pseudonyms to protect their identities during the civil conflict. Togan, upon his return from Saudi Arabia, recorded his experience and posted it on social media, highlighting the irony of being regarded as wanted by a regime he opposed.
As the Syrian rebels established a new government, they gained access to the extensive databases maintained by the former regime, which could aid in seeking justice for past atrocities. An Interior Ministry official indicated that over eight million Syrians were still considered wanted by the former government, although many charges, particularly related to military service, have been overlooked.
Tamer Turkmane, another returning Syrian who had lived in Turkey, experienced a similar encounter at the border. Although he was aware of being wanted due to threats against his family, the specifics of his status were new to him. He founded the Syrian Revolution Archive, documenting the civil war, which contributed to his notoriety.
At the immigration office in Aleppo, many individuals were seeking to clarify their security status while renewing documents. Ahmad Raheem, an employee there, emphasized that he refrained from disclosing any past charges unless directly asked, aiming to alleviate concerns regarding the new government's intentions.
Fuad Sayed Issa, a charity founder who also returned to Syria, shared his encounter at the airport where he learned he was wanted for military evasion. He remarked that these situations have become somewhat humorous for those who had faced significant risks during the conflict, as the Assad regime often equated them to terrorists.