The Observatory recalls that Mr. Naisse was arrested following the publication of CDF’s annual report, which denounces flagrant violations of human rights in Syria, and the recent declarations made by CDF representatives denouncing violations against the Kurdish population in the North of the country in March 2004. The arrest also follows a gathering organized by CDF on March 8, 2004, in which 400 participants requested the cancellation of the State of Emergency, the release of political prisoners and the establishment of democratic reforms. This sit-in was dispersed by the security forces and several activists were detained and intimidated in the weeks following the event.
The Observatory recalls that Mr. Naisse has been subjected to continuous acts of harassment for the past several years because of his activities in favour of human rights in Syria, (see last annual reports of the Observatory).
The Observatory is particularly concerned about Mr. Naisse’s health. He is diabetic and needs a strict and daily medical treatment.
The Observatory urges the Syrian authorities to:
i. guarantee Mr. Akhtam Naisse’s physical and psychological integrity, and grant him access to necessary medical care;
2.
inform of Mr. Naisse’s whereabouts, and proceed to his immediate and unconditional release;
3.
put an end to any kind of harassment against human rights defenders and conform with the provisions of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 9 December 1998;
4.
conform with the provisions of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other international human rights instruments ratified by Syria.
Press Contact :
– FIDH : Driss El Yazami, secrétaire général de la FIDH + 33 1 43 55 25 18.
– OMCT : + 41 22 809 49 39.