PUBLICAI Index: MDE 24/011/2001

23 May 2001

Further information on UA 107/01 (MDE 24/005/2001, 30 April 2001) - Fear of safety/torture/possible “disappearance”

SYRIAHussain Daoud, aged 30

The Syrian authorities have reportedly acknowledged that Hussain Daoud is in custody, but have not said where he is held or why he was arrested. They apparently denied reports that he had died in custody, which some NGOs had circulated in April.

The authorities apparently gave out this information in the second week of May, in response to inquiries by concerned parties.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/ airmail letters in English, Arabic or your own language:

- asking why Hussain Daoud was arrested and whether he has been charged or tried;

- asking where he is held, and urging that he is treated humanely and allowed access to medical care, his family and a lawyer of his choice;

- expressing concern at reports that he has been tortured and ill-treated, and calling for an independent and impartial investigation into these allegations.

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

COPIES TO:

His Excellency

Dr Muhammad Harba

Minister of the Interior

Ministry of the Interior

Merjeh Circle

Damascus

Syrian Arab Republic

Faxes:+ 963 11 222 3428

Telexes:411016 AFIRS SY

His Excellency

Nasser Qaddur

State Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Al-Rashid Street

Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

Fax: + 963 11 332 0686

Telex: 411922

and 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 5 July 2001.