Today, Mazen al-Hamada is free.
The beauty of Syria radiates with the joy of a nation liberated from unimaginable horrors. The world is finally confronting the reality Mazen spoke of for so many years — detainees emerging from Assad’s dungeons, and justice being pursued for the hundreds of thousands of families who've lost their loved ones.
Mazen's dreams are coming true — and he is a main character in the unfolding story of Syria’s freedom.
Mazen's life touched countless hearts in profound ways, and his story will forever embody the bright, fearless spirit of the Syrian revolution.
More than a friend or advocate, Mazen al-Hamada was a true hero. His legacy lives on in the hearts of millions, forever intertwined with the dream of a free Syria. With an innate sense of justice, Mazen was the voice for the voiceless, the face of courage in a time of unimaginable darkness. His story is not just remembered; it continues to inspire and ignite the fight for freedom.
Mazen's infectious humour and boundless energy left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He loved any opportunity to bring comfort to others like being in charge of grilling the kabobs or giving meaningful gifts to friends. I’ll always treasure the snowglobe he gave me from Holland, with its flowers and figure of a little Dutch girl — it's something I'll hold close to my heart forever.
Mazen often reminisced about his pigeons back in Syria, the ones he had trained and who would always return home to him. He loved those birds. They were a symbol of his deep connection to his roots and his pride in his homeland.
When Mazen saw the things we often take for granted — like a soccer field or a museum — he would curse Bashar al-Assad for denying the Syrian people these simple joys.
I’ll never forget the car rides with Mazen, revolutionary songs blaring through the speakers as he clapped, sang, and waved his hands in the air with sheer abandon. He embodied the fight for freedom, and you could see it in his eyes.
He once described the euphoria of Syria's uprising, "When you'd see the demonstrations, your heart would fly. I swear, no one could believe it."
Mazen al-Hamada's sacrifice for Syria
Even before the revolution, Mazen al-Hamada risked everything to stand up for justice.
In his hometown of Deir Ezzor, nestled along the Euphrates River, he exposed human rights abuses at the oil company where he worked, knowing full well the personal danger. This wouldn’t be the first time he would amplify the cries of the oppressed despite tremendous risk.
As the revolution unfolded, Mazen faced horrors most of us could never imagine. His beloved hometown was encircled and besieged by Assad's regime, Russian and Iranian forces, and even ISIS. He risked his life to smuggle baby formula, only to be arrested and thrown into Assad’s dungeons.
There, he endured unimaginable torture while suffering profound personal losses — his fiancée and many family members were murdered. He clung to the engagement ring as a reminder of his love and loss. It was later stolen from him in Holland, another piece of his heart taken.
Mazen al-Hamada never stopped fighting.
Subscribe Now and Listen to our Podcasts OnHe emerged from the darkness of detention as a beacon of hope, dedicating his freedom to the cause of others. He became the voice of millions, travelling the world to make others see, act, and care.
Yet, the world met Mazen’s relentless efforts with silence. Over and over, it broke his heart. And still, Mazen never stopped loving.
His return to the cages of Damascus was driven by the promise of safety for his family, and for the promise of freedom to the men, women, and children, still trapped inside. It's a decision no one should ever have to make. For Mazen, there was no choice. He would never be free until all of Syria was free.
We waited and hoped for years, counting each day, unsure of the fate of our friend. And now we know: just days before Syria was liberated, Assad's regime executed Mazen. He endured until the very brink of freedom — a final testament to his sacrifice.
Mazen al-Hamada and Syria became free together, at a moment that will forever be etched in history as a triumph of justice, humanity, and freedom.
After learning of his death, my despair was overwhelmed by joy as I watched the memorial service for Mazen. I finally understood what he meant by feeling "your heart would fly" and I swear I couldn’t believe it. On December 12, thousands of people gathered and marched down the streets of a free Damascus in honour of Mazen. They sang his name in unison, their voices rising like a song of freedom.
They carried his casket draped in the flag of a free Syria, the same flag he had waved with pride. The spirit of the revolution converged with love and grief for all the lives lost along the way. A vow to honour their memory forever — the true heroes of Syria.
Mazen's story captured global attention, shaking the world as news of his life and sacrifices resonated across continents. Mazen's light transcends boundaries and continues to inspire millions, breathing hope into the pursuit of justice for which he gave his life.
Mazen's legacy is unshakable. His courage, his sacrifices, and his boundless love for humanity will forever guide Syrians — and the world — in our collective fight for dignity and freedom. In the face of overwhelming darkness, Mazen's story shines as an unquenchable flame of hope.
May Mazen's sacrifices not be in vain. May his memory inspire us to build a just and compassionate world. And may we mean it when we say "Never Again". Today, Mazen is free.
Natalie Larrison is the Director of Humanitarian Projects at the Syrian Emergency Task Force.
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