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Investigations

September 16, 2026

“Deadly Myths”: How False Beliefs Are Driving the Striped Hyena Toward Extinction in Syria

In Syria, the striped hyena is being killed not simply because of any demonstrated threat to humans, but because of decades of myths, superstition, and fear that have shaped public perceptions of the animal. Over several months of reporting, our investigative team documented 13 incidents in which striped hyenas were killed across different parts of Syria. The investigation reveals how deeply rooted beliefs about child abduction, witchcraft, and sorcery intersect with hunting, trafficking in animal parts, and weak legal protections.
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September 14, 2026

“Dead While Alive”: Former Detainees Declared Dead by the Assad Regime Fight to Reclaim Their Lives

They walked out of Assad’s prisons alive—only to discover that, in the eyes of the state, they were dead. After years of detention, former Syrian detainees returned to freedom only to face a new battle: proving they are still alive. Some found that their names had been entered into civil registries as deceased and that death certificates had been issued in their names. Others appeared on lists of prisoners reported dead in detention. This investigation documents the struggle of former Syrian detainees to reclaim their legal identities and civil rights, as they navigate complex court procedures and costs that many simply cannot afford.
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July 6, 2026

Collapse of “Siege Tunnels” in Eastern Ghouta: Widespread Cave-Ins and Lost Maps Endanger Civilians

Drawing on field reporting and an analysis of publicly available content shared across social media platforms, this investigation documents the emergence of at least 10 cave-ins caused by ground collapses across towns and cities in Damascus’ Eastern Ghouta since the beginning of 2026. The investigation links these incidents to the extensive network of tunnels excavated during the years of siege by the Assad regime forces between 2013 and 2018, examining the mounting risks posed by their gradual collapse. It also explores ongoing efforts to locate and deal with the tunnels, as well as the significant challenges created by the loss of the original tunnel maps—leaving authorities and residents alike uncertain about what lies beneath their communities.
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