PUBLICAI Index: MDE 24/008/2002

27 March 2002

Further information on UA 107/01 (MDE 24/005/2001, 26 April 2001) and follow-ups (MDE 24/011/2001, 23 May 2001) and (MDE 24/015/2001, 18 July 2001) - Fear of safety/torture/possible "disappearance" [additional concerns: Prisoner of conscience, unfair trial]

SYRIAHussain Daoud (m), aged 31

On 20 March, Hussain Daoud, a Syrian Kurd who had been in detention since December 2000, was sentenced by the Supreme State Security Court to two years in prison following an unfair trial. Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression and association.

Hussain Daoud was charged according to the provisions of Article 267 of the Penal Code and Article 3 of Legislative Decree number 6 of 1965 for "involvement in an attempt to sever part of the Syrian territory" and "opposing the objectives of the revolution through taking part in demonstrations". The charges are apparently related to Hussain Daoud’s involvement with Kurdish opposition groups abroad, which the Syrian authorities consider to be separatist organizations intent on dividing the country. In a letter to Amnesty International dated 6 February, the Syrian authorities stated that Hussain Daoud was involved with the Kurdish People's Union Party which is prohibited in Syria.

Hussain Daoud was arrested by the security forces at Damascus airport in December 2000 on his arrival from Germany from where he was deported following the rejection of his asylum application. He was initially held at Far’ Falastin Detention Centre where he was interrogated about his political activities in Germany. He was then held incommunicado for months at various detention centres in Damascus and al-Qamishli in northern Syria, where he was reportedly tortured. On 26 June 2001 the authorities allowed a representative of the German embassy in Damascus to visit him at Sednaya Prison, on the outskirts of the city, where he is currently held.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English, Arabic, French or your own language:

-calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Hussain Daoud as Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience detained solely for his peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association;

-calling for an independent investigation into the allegations of torture, for the results to be made public and those responsible to be brought to justice.

APPEALS TO:

His Excellency

President Bashar al-Assad

Presidential Palace

Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

Telegrams:President al-Assad, Damascus, Syria

Telexes:419160 prespl sy

Salutation:Your Excellency

His Excellency

Nabil al-Khatib

Ministry of Justice

Al-Nasr Street

Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

Telegrams:Justice Minister, Damascus, Syria

e-mail: moj@net.sy

Salutation:Your Excellency

His Excellency

Maj-Gen Ali Hammud

Minister of the Interior

Ministry of the Interior

Merjeh Circle

Damascus

Syrian Arab Republic

Telegrams:Interior Minister, Damascus, Syria

Telexes:411016 AFIRS SY

Salutation:Your Excellency

COPIES TO: Diplomatic representatives of Syria accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 8 May 2002.