Justice Crack: My Experience with the DSS (Department of State Services) — Part One
I want to clearly state from the beginning that this is strictly my personal experience and account.
On the night of April 30, after spending several traumatic days blindfolded and in the custody of unidentified men who initially claimed to be officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), I was eventually transferred to an actual DSS facility. It later became clear to me that the individuals who first held me were not genuine DSS operatives.
At the time of my arrival at the facility, I was still blindfolded and handcuffed. While approaching the building, I overheard someone instructing that my blindfold should remain on until we were fully inside the premises. Moments later, the blindfold was finally removed, and for the first time in several days, I could properly see again. My vision was blurry at first due to the prolonged period of darkness and stress, but it gradually became clearer.
The officer who officially received me spoke calmly and professionally. He attempted to reassure me that I was safe and asked whether I knew where I was. I answered yes because I could clearly see the DSS insignia displayed on the wall. At that moment, I was visibly shaking and emotionally traumatized. The officer appeared to notice my condition and tried to calm me down. I was extremely confused, frightened, and uncertain about my situation, especially because I still did not fully understand why I had been taken away in the first place.
That same night, I was offered tea and bread — the first proper meal I had eaten in several days. I was also taken to the facility’s medical unit, where officials checked my blood pressure and conducted a basic health assessment to ensure that I was medically stable after the ordeal I had gone through.
After the medical checks, I was taken to a room where other detainees were being held. I was provided with a bed and a duvet, and for the first time in days, I was able to sleep comfortably and without fear.
The following morning, members of the investigation team began questioning me. Because the matter is currently before the court, I will not disclose details relating to the investigation itself. However, based on my personal experience during the period I spent at the facility, the DSS officials I encountered treated me professionally and respectfully throughout my stay.
At no point during my detention there was I physically assaulted, tortured, or shouted at by the officers handling my case. They ensured that I had access to food, basic welfare, and medical attention when necessary. I was even asked whether there were specific meals I preferred during the process.
One thing I also observed was the level of commitment shown by some of the officials assigned to my case. Investigative activities appeared to continue actively, including during weekends and public holidays, suggesting that the officers involved were committed to carrying out their responsibilities without unnecessary delays.
From my own personal experience, I can say that the DSS officials I interacted with demonstrated professionalism in the manner they handled me. At the same time, no institution is entirely perfect, and like many government agencies around the world, there are still areas where improvements can be made — particularly regarding the speed of investigations and certain administrative procedures that may affect detainees and their families.
Again, I must emphasize that this account reflects only my personal experience and should be understood strictly within that context.
0 Comments