Prisoner Saham Abu Salem Disappears After Transfer at Damon Prison
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BEIRUT — Saham Abu Salem was transferred to solitary confinement at Damon prison on March 27, 2026, and has not been heard from since, marking the beginning of an 110-day disappearance that has left her family in limbo.
Abu Salem, a released prisoner, was last seen hugging her 21-year-old daughter, Suzan Abu Salem, in the prison's visiting area. The emotional farewell took place early in the morning before authorities moved her to a restricted section of the facility. Since that moment, no official communication has been received regarding her status or location.
The transfer occurred without public explanation. Prison officials have not released statements detailing the reasons for the move to solitary confinement or the subsequent lack of contact. Family members report that attempts to reach Abu Salem through legal channels and prison administration have yielded no results. The silence has persisted for nearly four months, raising concerns among relatives and legal advocates.
Suzan Abu Salem described the separation as sudden and unexplained. She stated that her mother was in good health at the time of the visit and had no pending disciplinary issues that would warrant such a drastic measure. The family has since sought information from prison authorities, but responses have been inconsistent or absent.
Damon prison is a high-security facility known for housing inmates awaiting trial or serving long-term sentences. The conditions within the prison have been the subject of scrutiny in recent years, with human rights groups citing concerns over transparency and inmate welfare. However, no specific allegations have been made regarding this case.
Legal representatives for the Abu Salem family have filed inquiries with the Ministry of Justice, requesting a formal review of the transfer and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance. As of now, no official response has been issued. The lack of information has complicated efforts to determine whether the transfer was part of a standard procedure or an isolated incident.
The situation remains unresolved. Questions persist regarding the whereabouts of Saham Abu Salem, the justification for her isolation, and the reasons for the extended period without contact. Authorities have not addressed these concerns publicly.
As the 110-day mark approaches, the family continues to await news. The case has drawn attention from local legal groups and human rights monitors, who are calling for transparency and accountability. Until further information is provided, the fate of Saham Abu Salem remains unknown.