Akram Raslan, R.I.P.

Today brought the possible confirmation we have been fearing for so long.

Akram Raslan died following torture shortly after his arrest on October 2, 2012.

He was arrested while drawing at his desk. He was subjected to torture for his critical drawings against the blodshed Assad is conducting on Syria with the world as a passive spectator. In the span of 1 1/2 years from the onset of the revolution till his arrest, 300 critical drawings are known from his hand. Akram Raslan died in hospital following torture. Rumors of his demise have been traveling since. The news today came by way of a fellow detainee (F. Y.).

The Assad regime is taking absurd measures to obscure its own doings, among which the killing off of cartoonists. The still not formally confirmed murder on Akram Raslan has been denied, obscured and the UN has even been told of a formal trial to take place. An all too fitting image of the Assad rule - and how he is still able to make everyone dance to his pipe.

Akram Raslan drew in a bold contour, which spoke with a clear voice on the Assad regime. Every line unravels a violent truth.

Akram Raslan. The lethal red-spotted species of Assad.

May he rest in peace.