Syria Arrests Prominent Political Dissident

By Laura Zuber
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria – On January 28, five Syrian security agents arrested Riad Seif, a prominent political dissent and a former MP.  This follows his imprisonment from 2001-2005 for his political views.  His arrest is related to his involvement with the “Democracy Declaration,” a political group calling for greater democracy in Syria.  The Democracy Declaration group met at Seif’s home in December 2007 to form a national council.

Since this December meeting, 10 attendees have been arrested.  Earlier on January 28, these detainees were charged with undermining the state; a charge that carries a long sentence.  The charges against Seif include “harming the image of the state”, “stoking ethnic and sectarian division”, “disseminating false information” and “belonging to a secret organization seeking to alter the social and economic base of the state.”  Mohanad al-Hassani, a lawyer representing some of the detained political activist, said “They face vague charges that carry long jail sentences simply for exercising the right of assembly.”

Last year, Syria convicted at least six leading dissents, each with sentences of up to 12 years.  The convictions included that of human rights lawyer Anwar Bunni and writer Michel Kilo.  According to human rights lawyer, Haitham Maleh, there are currently around 3000 political prisoners in Syria.  This figure is up from 2000 political prisoners in 2005.  While some of the political prisoners being held are members of the liberal groups, most of the political prisoners are members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Seif’s arrest is especially criticized because he suffers from prostate cancer.  Syria has banned him from traveling outside the country to receive medical treatment.

For more information, please see:
Guardian – Syria Arrests Leading Political Dissident – 30 January 2008

Reuters – US Accuses Syria of Contempt for Human Rights – 30 January 2008

Washington Post – World in Brief – 30 January 2008

BBC – Syria Arrests Prominent Dissident – 29 January

Financial Times – Syria Arrests Prominent Dissident – 29 January 2008

New York Times – Syria: Dissident Arrested – 29 January 2008

Author: Impunity Watch Archive