Syria: Human Rights Defendors released, Others remain in Jail


The Human Rights Actions Network - Derechos Human Rights
http://www.derechos.org/human-rights/actions/


Human Rights Defenders
Case SYR 130195 . 2
follow-up of Case SYR 130195 1 and Case SYR 130195

The International Secretariat of OMCT has recieved new information in
the following situation in Syria.

Brief reminder of the situation:

The International Secretariat was informed of the alleged detention in
Syria of ten human rights defenders. The people detained were reported
to be members of the Committee for the Defence of Democratic Freedoms
and Human Rights in Syria (CDF), which is a member of the network.
These persons were Aktham Nouaisseh, Nizar Nayouf, Afif Mizher,
Muhammed Ali Habib, Bassam al-Shaykh, Thabet Murad, Jadi' Nawfal,
Ya'qub Musa, Hassan Ali and Hussam Salama.

The International Secretariat had also been informed that they were
sentenced to prison for periods ranging between 5 years and 10 years.
OMCT/F.I. 130195.2/HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS/DETENTION/SYRIA (fwd)

New information

The International Secretariat has recieved new information from the
CDF , that Thabed Murad, Jadi' Nawfal, Ya'qub Musa, Hassan Ali and
Hussam Salama were released in February 1997. 

According to the same reports, Aktham Nouaisseh, Nizar Nayouf, Afif
Mizher, Muhammed Ali Habib, and Bassam al-Shaykh are still detained.

Observations

While expressing gratitude for the actions undertaken by members of
the network, other organisations and individuals, the International
Secretariat  requests you to continue writing to the Syrian
authorities urging them to:

i.	guarantee respect of the physical and psychological integrity of 
Aktham Nouaisseh, Nizar Nayouf, Afif Mizher, Muhammed Ali Habib and
Bassam al-Shaykh.

ii.	order the speedy release of these persons as well as all other
persons detained or condemned without valid judicial  cause or by
reason of declarations obtained through illegal pressure;  

iii.	ensure the effective respect of human rights and fundamental
liberties in accordindg with national legislation and international
standards.


Addresses

His Excellency President Hafez al-Assad, Presidential Palace,
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.  Telex : 419160 PRESPL SY

H.E. Dr. Muhammad Harba, Minister of Interior, Ministry of Interior,
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. Telex : 411018 AFIRS SY

H.E. Hasin Hassun, Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice, Al-Nasr
Street, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. 

The Syrian embassy in your respective countries.

Geneva 31 March 1997

Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code number of
this appeal in your reply.

Ben Schonveld 
Projects Manager
OMCT-SOS-Torture
Fax 4122 733 1051
Ph  4122 733 3140
OMCT is: l'Organisation Mondiale contre la Torture
         The World Organisation Against Torture

OMCT@IPROLINK.CH
http://www.omct.org/

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Human Rights in Syria 
http://www.derechos.org/human-rights/mena/syria.html