Syria: Leading Democratic People's Party member arrested
13 April 2011
George Sabra, a
leading member of the Syrian Democractic People's Party, was arrested by Syrian
security forces at 10.30am on 10 April 2011, in Quatana and has since
disappeared. His party is linked to the Damascus Declaration for Democratic
National Change, a Syrian opposition movement calling for pro-democratic
reforms in Syria.
Since
anti-government protests began in March 2011, many Syrian human rights
defenders and political activists have been arrested. George Sabra was also
previously arrested on 24 March 2008.
Alkarama is
concerned that Sabra risks being tortured while disappeared and calls on the
Syrian authorities to avoid resorting to torture. In respect of both Syrian and
international law, George Sabra should be placed under the protection of the
law and be allowed to contest his detention. Syria has signed the Convention on
Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture, and should
respect the edicts of both.
Furthermore,
Syria should uphold the right to freedom of expression and opinion and the
right to life, by ensuring that peaceful protestors are able to demonstrate in
peace. There have been a number of deaths amidst protests in recent weeks and
the atmosphere appears to be escalating.
Read Alkarama's
most recent press release regarding Syria:
Syria: Army blockade port city of Banias
Syria: 70 additional confirmed deaths in recent protests
Syria: 58 confirmed dead in recent protests
Syria: 301 arrested in March protests
Alkarama sent
George Sabra's case to the UN human rights procedures today, informing them of
his disappearance.
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