Latest news with #Zain
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Harrowing final words of tortured prisoner executed in 'human slaughter house'
Warning: Distressing content. Thousands of people died inside Bashar Al-Assad's 'human slaughterhouse' prisons in Syria - and one man's harrowing final words were documented by a guard The conditions inside Bashar Al-Assad's 'human slaughterhouse' prisons in Syria were beyond most people's worst nightmares. Thousands of people died inside them, or vanished - but everyone incarcerated within them suffered. Torture was a daily horror, not just in the much-dreaded interrogations, but in the conditions within which the prisoners were held in such close proximity that some are even said to have suffered psychosis from oxygen deprivation. When his oppressive regime was finally overthrown, relatives of those who had been imprisoned flooded into the facilities, desperate for answers about where their loved ones had gone, and footage was recorded of families searching frantically through debris for any clue of their fates. Brit wife of exiled Syria dictator Bashar Al-Assad 'barred from UK' amid cancer battle Qatar Airways resumes flights to Syria after 13 year break due to civil war Prisoners were fed like animals from large pails, and lived in such cramped conditions that guards revealed it was not possible to see the floor. At the Air Force Intelligence branch in Harasta, conditions could not have been more hellish. The once-second-in-command of the facility, Colonel Zain, hauntingly admitted: "The place I worked in was very famous for its bloody practices and the number of detainees held there. We would pack 400 detainees in a room that was eight by ten metres. "You wouldn't set eyes on the floor when you entered; bodies of detainees blanketed it. The screams emanating from the interrogation room situated directly below my office were no secret. It was common knowledge how we conducted our interrogations. "The temperature was around 40 degrees, because it was so crowded. We saw strange cases of disease amongst prisoners, I think, due to oxygen deficiency because of overcrowding. These psychotic episodes soon turned into physical symptoms," he said to BBC Two's documentary Surviving Syria's Prisons. It has been estimated by Amnesty International that 13000 people died in these nightmare slaughterhouse prisons in just the first four years after the Arab Spring in 2011, which, after a brief hope it might bring better times, swiftly turned into a hellish civil conflict, with protests in Damascus put down ruthlessly. Inside these prisons, guards tortured - often entirely false - confessions from prisoners, threw execution parties, and were even told to "bury them alive". Hussam, another guard and former military policeman, told the BBC of the haunting last words of a prisoner who faced execution, and the extensive torture they inflicted on prisoners. "Our superiors would say, 'Torture them, don't let them sleep at night. Throw them a party... put them in a grave if you want to, bury them alive'. "When they'd call me to go and torture them, the prisoners would go back to their cells bloody and exhausted. On Wednesday mornings, we'd have an 'execution party'. Our role during executions was to place the rope on the prisoner - only an officer could push the chair." He continued, "One time, the chair was pushed, but after 22 minutes he didn't die. So I grabbed him and pulled him downwards, so another guard who was bigger and stronger said, 'go I will do it.' Before he died he said one thing: 'I'm going to tell God what you did'." An army nurse revealed in the documentary that they were not allowed to record the real causes of death, whether that was extensive torture or execution. "It was forbidden to record the cause of death as torture. Even those killed from gunshots were recorded as heart and respiratory failure." Over 130 mass grave sites have so far been discovered in Syria, with families facing the distressing prospect of struggling to identfiy their loved ones amongst the countless dead.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
'Shanaya Kapoor needs to...': Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan actor Zain Durrani reacts to trolling and hate against actress
'Shanaya Kapoor needs to…': Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan actor Zain Durrani reacts to trolling and hate against actress | Exclusive Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan , a romantic drama directed by Santosh Singh and bankrolled by Mansi Bangla and Varun Bagla hit the silver-screens on July 11, 2025. Apart from the lead cast Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor, one name who garnered attention with his stellar performance is Zain Khan Durrani. He portrayed a key role in Massey-Kapoor starrer, stepping into the world of romcoms once again. In an exclusive interview with , Zain shared whether he ever felt paranoid about being overshadowed by the lead pair. Moreover, he also addressed the online trolling his co-star Shanaya Kapoor faced before stepping into Bollywood, and how the backlash affects an actors' mindset. Was Zain Durrani worried about being overshadowed by Vikrant and Shanaya? Sharing his experience of working with Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Zain said, 'It was great, both of them are very warm and easy to work with. It's been truly a pleasant experience.' When asked if he ever felt intimidated about being overshadowed by the lead duo, he confidently expressed, 'Not at all, nobody can overshadow your performance unless you aren't performing well. Time and again, we have seen the smallest roles are been done so well and can live in people's memories, while some longest ones just vanish. It's just about whether you can connect with the audience in whatever screen-time you get, and I was genuinely happy playing the second lead in a good story.' He further added, 'You can't approach a role or a project that you do with any of those ideas in your head. Otherwise you are just coming with a baggage that will not allow you to express yourself. And, honestly there is no reason for me to feel that either. The role I was given had enough potential to prove myself.' Zain Durrani defends Shanaya Kapoor against trolls Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan marks Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor's, debut film. Even before stepping into the spotlight, the aspiring actress had already experienced the pressures of public scrutiny following her first commercial and later with her debut music video alongside Guru Randhawa. Zain addressed how early criticism directed towards star kids can be biased. 'From an outsider's perspective, I can say that a lot of criticism is unfairly drawn.' Zain added, 'And not just as actors- as human beings too, we need to be kinder to each other. We are very quick to judge, we are very quick to draw to the conclusions, sitting behind our screens, typing things we'd never say to anyone in person.' Zain hopes no one around him undergoes such negativity, 'As actors, we are even more sensitive. Over time, we do develop a thick skin, we grow and learn. I just don't wish this kind of negativity on any friend or colleague of mine,' The actor said. He believes that Shanaya will have ample opportunities ahead to establish herself in the industry. 'And I am sure that there is plenty of opportunities Shanaya will have to prove, although she doesn't need to, as she is fantastic and talented, but I am sure people will see the kind of potential, the kind of talent she has over a period of time.' Zain shared. Apart from Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Zain Khan Durrani is best known for his performances in Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz, Bell Bottom, Mukhbir.
Saraha News
6 days ago
- General
- Saraha News
Zain Renews Partnership with 'LOYAC' and Rehabilitates Um Al-Yanabee School in Ajloun
صراحة نيوز- Ajloun, July 23rd, 2025 – As part of its corporate social responsibility and ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, underprivileged groups, and the education sector, Zain Jordan announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with LOYAC Foundation through the 'Homes' program. The initiative aims to renovate and rehabilitate several schools and public facilities across various governorates in the Kingdom. Under this partnership, Zain supported the renovation project of Um Al-Yanabee Mixed Elementary School in Ajloun Governorate this year, benefiting around 90 students. The project was implemented with the participation of a group of youth volunteers, offering hands-on volunteering and training experience that promotes teamwork, cultural exchange, and skills development. The renovation work included painting the school's eight classrooms, corridors, outdoor areas, and doors, as well as creating murals, repairing restrooms and drinking water areas, renewing electrical installations and adding new lighting units. Openings were added above classroom doors to allow natural sunlight in, and green spaces were planted on school grounds to promote a healthier environment. General maintenance was also carried out on school furniture, fences, and other facilities. This initiative reflects Zain's ongoing support for the education sector in Jordan and its commitment to creating an optimal learning environment that enhances students' academic experience and performance. It also aligns with the company's mission to encourage youth engagement, while developing their personal and professional skills—contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which Zain integrates across all its sustainability programs and initiatives. This partnership is a continuation of the fruitful collaboration between Zain and LOYAC, which began in 2018. Over the years, Zain has supported the rehabilitation of seven schools across multiple governorates, including: Othman Bin Affan School, Najda Boys Elementary School, Najda Mixed Elementary School in Jerash Governorate, Jil'ad Mixed Elementary School in Balqa Governorate, Afnaan Mixed Elementary School in Madaba Governorate, Al-Basiliya School in Al-Jeeza District, and Al-Qastal School Additionally, Zain supported LOYAC's 'Your Future with Zain' internship program, launched last year, which provided 40 internship opportunities to university students and recent graduates in Jordan to help develop their practical and professional skills.
Al Anbat News
6 days ago
- General
- Al Anbat News
Zain Renews Partnership with 'LOYAC' and Rehabilitates Um Al-Yanabee School in Ajloun
الأنباط - As part of its corporate social responsibility and ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, underprivileged groups, and the education sector, Zain Jordan announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with LOYAC Foundation through the "Homes' program. The initiative aims to renovate and rehabilitate several schools and public facilities across various governorates in the Kingdom. Under this partnership, Zain supported the renovation project of Um Al-Yanabee Mixed Elementary School in Ajloun Governorate this year, benefiting around 90 students. The project was implemented with the participation of a group of youth volunteers, offering hands-on volunteering and training experience that promotes teamwork, cultural exchange, and skills development. The renovation work included painting the school's eight classrooms, corridors, outdoor areas, and doors, as well as creating murals, repairing restrooms and drinking water areas, renewing electrical installations and adding new lighting units. Openings were added above classroom doors to allow natural sunlight in, and green spaces were planted on school grounds to promote a healthier environment. General maintenance was also carried out on school furniture, fences, and other facilities. This initiative reflects Zain's ongoing support for the education sector in Jordan and its commitment to creating an optimal learning environment that enhances students' academic experience and performance. It also aligns with the company's mission to encourage youth engagement, while developing their personal and professional skills—contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which Zain integrates across all its sustainability programs and initiatives. This partnership is a continuation of the fruitful collaboration between Zain and LOYAC, which began in 2018. Over the years, Zain has supported the rehabilitation of seven schools across multiple governorates, including: Othman Bin Affan School, Najda Boys Elementary School, Najda Mixed Elementary School in Jerash Governorate, Jil'ad Mixed Elementary School in Balqa Governorate, Afnaan Mixed Elementary School in Madaba Governorate, Al-Basiliya School in Al-Jeeza District, and Al-Qastal School Additionally, Zain supported LOYAC's "Your Future with Zain' internship program, launched last year, which provided 40 internship opportunities to university students and recent graduates in Jordan to help develop their practical and professional skills.
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Zain launches Harvard ‘Youth Lead the Change' program
New empowerment platform to prepare employees' children to become decision-makers KUWAIT: Zain Group has launched the summer edition of the Harvard 'Youth Lead the Change' (YLC) program at its headquarters in Shuwaikh, designed specifically for the teenage children of its employees. The program was delivered in collaboration with UniHawk, a UAE-based global education consultancy and featured a team of experts from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reinforcing the company's vision to provide an inclusive environment for its employees. Over 70 students aged between 13 and 18 took part in the 3-day program, which offered a motivational educational journey through interactive sessions focused on analytical thinking, solution design, teamwork and the development of community-centered projects. As a regional digital innovation leader, Zain affirmed that the initiative reflects its commitment to equipping the next generation with the tools to create a sustainable impact in their communities. The company continues to place increasing focus on inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE) to foster a more innovative and inclusive workplace culture. The program provided a comprehensive platform to gain leadership and entrepreneurship skills. Interactive activities designed to spark creativity. Zain described the program not merely as a workshop, but as a holistic platform for acquiring collaborative and adaptive leadership skills, presentation and persuasion techniques, and critical thinking tools to prepare youth to become the decision-makers of tomorrow. Zain's core IDE strategy extends beyond the professional support of employees within the workplace. It also embraces the broader family environment, highlighting the company's holistic wellness approach to employee engagement. Through this educational experience for employees' children, Zain reaffirms its belief that every individual within its ecosystem is a center of impact and development, and that investing in families is an investment in society at large. This initiative is part of a wider framework of IDE programs launched by Zain Group. The Harvard YLC program represents a natural extension of this strategy, which sees youth as a vital force to be guided toward a prosperous future. Zain continues to embrace numerous initiatives aligned with its institutional IDE framework. Hosting this international program is a testament to Zain's commitment to implementing global standards across its initiatives. It reaffirms the company's belief that true empowerment stems from care and support, embedding the values of initiative, responsibility, and positive change within the next generation's identity. Launching this program for employees' children in collaboration with top international academic institutions mirrors the same empowerment pathway Zain offers to its employees. The company is proud to host such distinguished international learning experiences, merging world-class academic standards with its local vision to empower national youth talent. Zain continues to build employee capabilities and upskill them in line with its digital transformation strategy. Notably, Zain's Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity University (IDEU) has expanded its partnership with IE University in Spain to broaden learning opportunities, including access to master's degrees. In parallel with this educational path, the Group continues its efforts under the WE initiative to empower women, accelerate data-driven cultural transformation, and expand women's leadership in technology. Most recently, Zain launched the NOVA program to upskill over 200 women across its operations in technical fields. Zain places special priority on youth development, as reflected in its recent ZY Graduate Program titled 'Generation Z,' which focused on leadership development in strategic innovation and the digital world. Through the creation of stimulating environments for personal and professional growth, Zain is committed to adopting impactful initiatives that help refine young people's skills, especially in leadership, innovation, and social entrepreneurship — preparing them to play pivotal roles in the future. This initiative also comes under Zain's broader Innovation Nation umbrella, which embodies Zain's long-term strategy to support and empower future generations by offering inspirational educational opportunities to youth and entrepreneurs. It is a reaffirmation of the company's role as a key driver in building a promising digital future for Kuwait.
