Branch 40 (Political Security Directorate)

Branch 40 of Syria's Political Security Directorate (Amn al-Siyasi), located near Palestine Square in Damascus, was one of the central detention and interrogation facilities used for political opponents. The Political Security Directorate was one of Syria's four intelligence agencies and specialized in monitoring and suppressing political activity. Branch 40 was used for the initial detention and interrogation of activists, journalists, politicians, and anyone suspected of political opposition. Documented practices include torture, prolonged solitary confinement, and enforced disappearance.

Notable Events

• ▸Detention of Damascus Declaration signatories 2005–2007
• ▸Mass detentions of journalists and bloggers post-2011
• ▸Liberation December 2024

Known Officials

• ◆Rustom Ghazaleh (former director of Political Security)
• ◆Mohammed Dib Zeitoun (former director)