KURDWATCH, November 28, 2011—Muhammad ʿAli al-ʿAli (b. 1976, married, two children) was released from custody in Damascus on November 5, 2011. He had been arrested on October 17 at the Emigration and Passport Authority in al-Hasakah and transferred to the Political Security Directorate in Damascus. The apparent reason for his arrest was that he made comments critical of the regime at a memorial service in Damascus. While in custody al-ʿAli was subjected to torture. No charges were raised.