The news that the Arab League has decided to allow Syria to become a full member again, after almost twelve years of exclusion, has provoked strong reactions in the outside world. Omar Alsahogre, who was previously imprisoned by the Assad regime, is one of those who are critical of the decision.
He was only 15 years old when he was first imprisoned. He accompanied his cousin to a demonstration where they were shot at by Syrian security forces.
"Imagine that you are 15 years old, a child who is going to a demonstration, all of a sudden the police start shooting your friends dead. I froze and couldn't run, then I was arrested.
Tortured for who you follow on social media
For a total of three years he was imprisoned and tortured before he was released and fled to Sweden. Today, Omar Alsahogre lives in the United States where he works to support opposition figures in Syria, but the regime's power makes it difficult to contact and help people.
"Just by talking to me, these people are risking their lives. They can be captured and tortured for following the wrong people on social media.
"The Arab League is making a mistake"
But despite the fact that the regime has strengthened its power and that the Arab League has voted to allow the country to become a member again, Omar Alsahogre refuses to despair.
"I'm not surprised by the Arab League's decision, but I think they're making a mistake. They should not support the Assad regime but the people. One day the regime will fall but the population will remain.
However, he is disappointed that the announcement has not provoked greater reactions in the rest of the Arab world.
"We are one people, one family, even across national borders. I am therefore disappointed that there are not more people protesting. I understand that they are afraid, but today there are many ways to show their dissatisfaction. It feels like we're forgotten.
How has Bashar al-Assad managed to maintain his grip on power? See more in Utrikesbyrån: The dictator's victory on SVT Play.