The Guardian

Syrian medics 'subjected to extreme intimidation' after Douma attack

Doctors say those who treated patients after attack have been told they and their families will be targeted if they speak out
Medics take a wounded man into hospital in Damascus after rockets were fired in Douma on 7 April. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

The head of the largest medical relief agency in Syria claims that medics who responded to the suspected gas attack in Douma have been subjected to “extreme intimidation” by Syrian officials who seized biological samples, forced them to abandon patients and demanded their silence.

Dr Ghanem Tayara, the director of the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM) said doctors responsible for treating patients in the hours after the 7 April attack have been told that their families will be at risk if they offer public testimonies about what took place.

A number (OPCW), which aims to determine whether chemical weapons were used. All the medics insisted on anonymity, citing the fear for their lives and those of their families.

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