Your Excellency:

I am alarmed to learn that seven men have been in jail in Syria since early 2006 for developing a youth discussion group and publishing pro-democracy articles on the internet. Despite the fact that the Syrian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression for its citizens, these men are now held in Sednaya Prison, and I fear they are at risk of torture.

Authorities arrested the men between January and March 2006 and reportedly held them in solitary confinement at the Air Force Intelligence Branch in Harasta, near Damascus. Amnesty International has received credible reports that the seven men were tortured while they were held there. At the end of April 2006 they were moved to Sednaya Prison.

Following an unfair trial, Husam 'Ali Mulhim, Tareq Ghorani, Maher Ibrahim, Ayham Saqr, 'Alam Fakhour, 'Omar 'Ali al-'Abdullah and Diab Sirieyeh were convicted by the Supreme State Security Court of “taking action or making a written statement or speech which could endanger the State or harm its relationship with a foreign country or expose it to the risk of hostile action.” Maher Ibrahim and Tareq Ghorani were convicted of the same charge, as well as a charge of “broadcasting of false news.” The court sentenced Mr. Ibrahim and Mr. Ghorani to seven years in prison; the rest received a sentence of five years.

Amnesty International considers the seven men to be prisoners of conscience imprisoned solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression.

I respectfully urge you to bring about the immediate and unconditional release of these men. I ask you to ensure that authorities properly investigate reports that the men were tortured, and I urge you to ensure that the men are protected from further abuse and are provided access to lawyers, family members, and any medical treatment they may require.

Sincerely,

copy to:
H.E. Ambassador Imad Moustapha
Embassy of Syria
2215 Wyoming Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Fax: 202-234-9548
Email: info@syrembassy.net