[legal-professionals] Syria: Further developments in the case of Mr. Haythem Al-Maleh

Cairo; 20/07/2002

     The Arab Program for Human Rights Activists has regrettably received
further developments about the case of Mr. Haythem Al-Maleh, the Lawyer
and the Director of the Syrian Human Rights Association (HRAS).

     The Syrian Military Prosecutor has sent to Mr. Al-Maleh a
memorandum, today, the 28th of July, to attend before him for
investigation. The memorandum included a threat in case Mr. Al-Maleh did
not attend, which is detention.

     This threat represents a new episode in the drama against the human
rights and civil society activists, MP's, writers, and thinkers in
Syria, on the background of their limited activities that call for
freedom of expression and speech, as well as the respect for the basic
human rights in Syria, after they have been violated throughout the past
thirty (30) years.

     In the light of these developments, the Arab Program for Human
Rights Activists had issued numerous urges and statements to the Syrian
authorities calling for the minimum respect to the basic freedoms of the
Syrian citizens and activists. But unfortunately it seems that they were
neglected.

     Not letting go, the Arab Program for Human Rights Activists still
urges the Syrian Government to stop these never-ending violations that
contradict the International human rights law. Simultaneously, the
International human rights activists and defenders are deeply urged to
express their solidarity with Mr. Haythem Al-Maleh, hoping that the
international solidarity may remind the Syrian authorities of their
commitments towards the treaties signed and ratified previously, and
hoping for some tolerance to an acceptable margin of democracy and human
rights.