PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 24/040/2006

31 May 2006

Further Information on UA 142/06 (MDE 24/039/2006, 19 May 2006) Fear of torture/incommunicado detention/Prisoners of conscience and new concern: Unfair trial

SYRIA Anwar al-Bunni (m), lawyer and human rights defender

Nidal Darwish (m), human rights defender

Michel Kilo (m), writer

Khalil Hussein (m), former prisoner of conscience

Mahmoud Mer'i (m), human rights defender

Dr Safwan Tayfour (m), medical doctor

Mahmoud 'Issa (m), former prisoner of conscience

Ghaleb 'Amer (m), human rights defender

Suleyman Shummar (m)

Muhammad Mahfouz (m)

The 10 civil society activists named above are reportedly facing charges which could see them jailed for up to 15 years. The charges appear to be entirely without foundation, and their trial is likely to be grossly unfair. All were reportedly beaten during interrogation. Their lawyers went to 'Adra prison to meet with them on 28 May, but were not allowed to see them.

The men have reportedly been charged with “weakening nationalist feelings and inciting racial or sectarian strife”, under article 285 of the Penal Code.

Anwar al-Bunni has been on hunger strike in protest since he was arrested on 17 May, and is now very weak. He has been drinking liquids since 21 May.

All 10 have met briefly with lawyers at least once. The men are protesting that they are being held in the section of 'Adra prison reserved for common criminals, rather than with the political prisoners.

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

- expressing concern that the 10 men (naming them) have been charged with “weakening nationalist feelings and inciting racial or sectarian strife”, solely for the peaceful expression of their ideas;

- expressing concern that they have reportedly been beaten in custody;

- calling on the authorities to release the 10 men immediately and unconditionally, as they are prisoners of conscience held solely for their peaceful work in promotion of democracy and human rights.

APPEALS TO:

President

His Excellency Bashar al-Assad

Presidential Palace

al-Rashid Street

Damascus

Syrian Arab Republic

Fax: + 963 11 332 3410

Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Defence

His Excellency General

Hassan Ali Turkmani

Ministry of Defence

Omayyad Square

Damascus

Syrian Arab Republic

Fax: +963 11 223 7842

Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Foreign Affairs

His Excellency Walid Mu’allim

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

al-Rashid Street

Damascus

Syrian Arab Republic

Fax: + 963 11 332 7620

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 12 July 2006.