DNA test confirms freed Sednaya prisoner is not missing Jordanian citizen

The DNA test results for the man freed from Syria’s Sednaya Prison, initially believed to be Osama Bashir Bataineh, a Jordanian missing in Syria for 38 years, has been released.

“The DNA test comparing the individual, who was thought to be our son Osama Bashir Bataineh after his release from Sednaya Prison in Damascus, with samples from Mr. Bashir Bataineh and other family members has confirmed no match. Thus, the individual is definitively not Osama Bataineh,” Nidal Al-Bataineh, former Minister of Labor, said in a statement.

“We thank our national security apparatus for their meticulous handling of this case, from the individual’s arrival at the Jaber Border Crossing to conducting thorough lab tests and communicating with us promptly and professionally.”

“We will continue his treatment and rehabilitation while pursuing efforts to reunite him with his family. Significant leads have emerged from recent communications, one of which appears promising. We will share updates in due course, and this matter will remain open with the relevant authorities,” the statement added.

He concluded by stating that the case is now closed in the media to respect the privacy of those involved but emphasized the continued efforts to support the individual and ensure his reunion with his family.