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Inquest continues into death of British doctor in Syria

The inquest into the death of a British doctor who died in Syrian custody days before he was due to be freed and returned to the UK continues today.

Dr Abbas Khan, a 32 year old surgeon, died in December 2013 having been held by the Syrian authorities since November 2012.

He had travelled to Syria to offer medical help to victims of the civil war but was detained within two days of arriving in the country.

Yesterday - the first day of the three-week hearing - his wife Hannah described how she and her husband, who she described as "my whole life, my family, best friend and love" had been planning how they and their two children would enjoy their lives together when he was eventually freed.

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Mother collapses in court giving evidence on son's death

By Emma Murphy: ITV News Correspondent

The mother of a British doctor who died in Syrian custody today collapsed in court as she spoke of her son's final days.

Dr Abbas Khan's mother Fatima, 58, slumped to the floor as she gave evidence at her son's inquest.

She had spent the previous 20 minutes detailing her efforts to secure her son's release. As she reached the last day of his life she appeared to struggle to read her statement and turned to the Coroner asking, "how can someone kill someone like this? How?"

As she left the witness box she lowered herself and lay on the steps until her daughter was able to lead her from the court.

The jury at the Royal Courts of Justice has been told surgeon Dr Abbas Khan had travelled to Syria in November 2012 to treat those injured in the civil war.

He was held in custody until December 2013 when his body was found in his cell. The authorities said he had killed himself. The family believe he was killed.

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