Natalie Larrison, a friend of Syrian activist Mazen Al-Hamada, wrote this message in 2020, just ten days after Mazen landed in Damascus and was kidnapped by the Assad regime. “He was lured back to his torturers, believing the promise that he could save Syria, that his return could save detainees,” Natalie wrote. Mazen was detained three times. After fleeing Syria in 2014, he continued his advocacy from abroad. However, the trauma of his torture and frustration with the international community’s apathy drove him to return to Damascus, lured by the Assad regime’s false promises. Friends and family tried to stop him, but his mind was made up. In February 2020, Natalie sent Mazen a photo of her dog. He called shortly after—a brief yet poignant moment that would become the last time Natalie, or perhaps anyone, would ever hear his voice. During the call, Natalie realized that Mazen was at Damascus airport, with a man next to him instructing him on what to say. Mazen hung up, and his...