Syria: Mourners gather for activist Mazen al-Hamada funeral

He was the Syrian activist who became a symbol of the Assad regime's brutality.

Mazen Al-Hamada was one of tens of thousands detained and tortured after the 2011 uprising against Assad's rule.

When he was released, he fled to Europe and told the world about the horrors he'd endured, including in a documentary called ‘Syria's Disappeared’.

But four years ago he was lured to return back to Syria, where he disappeared, until this week, when he was found dead.

Correspondent: Paraic O'Brien
Video Journalist: Jack Hewson
Producer: Zahra Warsame

[graveebailey]

This man went back to Syria knowing what would happen to him. What a brave brave man. I hope he rests in peace now. A true hero.

[muzindabambi]

I only learned about this man very recently, but his story has deeply moved me. I am so sorry for all that he endured, and my heart aches for the pain he went through. May he find the peace he so richly deserves. You are forever a Hero to me Mazen!

[farahalshoofi]

His life represents the suffering all of Syria endured. In his memory, we cannot let our country fall to tyranny anymore. NEVER AGAIN.

[skullsaintdead]

Wow, his face, those tears, my God, the pain! It made me cry. The courage to go back after being tortured, to try to save his family, even after the world (myself inc.) somewhat forgot about the suffering of the Syrian people, as we became more fixated and fearful of Arabic people due to the terror attacks in the West & the rise of IS, alongside the growing number of ecomonic migrants coming over to Europe. God bless you, Mazen, god bless your soul & all those who have been murdered and tortured in Syria under Assads dictatorship. If we all had just 10% of your courage, the world would be a much better place. Rest in power. Your legacy & name will live on in a free(er) Syria! Love from Australia.

[armees]

Its been 24 hours i came to know about him and i cant stop crying 😢, May he Rest in peace

[julesn]

I only saw his documentary last week and I was happy because I thought he must be celebrating, only to see him among the corpes found, this broke my heart😭😭😭

[PATCARSON-lv]

I cannot watch all of this, it is too too heartbreaking. I wish everyone in Syria well as you rebuild your country from an evil tyranny. take care.

[Greenplace]

We live in a cruel world
Rest in Peace brother

[MebbWrbb]

This man was 2 years older than me. I've never seen so much pain on one face. So sorry he had to go through what he went through. Glad to see so many showing support for him at his funeral. ❤️

[rosecrawford]

The torture which he described was horrific and you could tell on his face. So sad, poor guy. My thoughts are with the people of Syria.

[jahangirashraf]

Mazen, what a brave soul...
Many many prayers for your higher ranks in heaven😢

[Oblentehands]

Assad must be caught and taken out of russia, and brought to justice in Syria.

[Drea_quintero]

You can the panic in his eyes when she asked him that question. Absolutely heartbreaking. May his brave soul rest in peace.

[studdstuff]

Peace and justice for the Syrian people. Absolutely heartbreaking what these people endured. Power to you, love to you, peace for you. 🇨🇦

[markeddowes]

The suffering of such a noble people and country, is truly heart breaking. Peace be upon him.

[ciai]

HIGH! GOD WILL EMBRACE AND HEAL YOUR WOUNDS your country and the entire world knows your bravery.RIP

[chantalpage]

I am so ashamed that we didnt hear or when we heard...we didn't listen. Your name will live forever, Mazen. You are whole now. Flying high with the angels. ❤ from South Africa.

[karenm]

Lord, I pray you forgive those of us who have complained from such menial things, when there are such atrocities as these going on that we can't even imagine.

[juliusnovachrono]

I remember listening to his story a few years ago. May he now rest in eternal peace.

[tracyrussell]

This is why many risk crossing open sea in small boats when they can't swim. They have no choice but to leave. Hope this story stops people passing judgement on refugees. How terribly sad he didn't see the freedom of Syria.