Committees for the Defence of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (CDF)

May 5 2005 Syrian human rights defender Aktham Naisse, President of the Committees for the Defence of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (CDF) has had all charges against him dismissed following a much postponed trial process. Aktham Naisse had been charged with “opposing the objectives of the revolution” and “disseminating false information aiming at weakening the State,” charges carrying a possible 15-year prison sentence. He was originally arrested in April 2004 with regard to the charges which Front Line believes were fabricated because of his work for the protection of human rights in Syria. Front Line has called for the protection of all human rights defenders in Syria in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

Front Line acoge con satisfacción la decisión del Tribunal Supremo Estatal Sirio (SSSC) de liberar a Aktham Naisse, presidente de la CDF - Committees for the Defence of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (Comités para la defensa de las libertades democráticas y los derechos humanos en Siria) y apela a las autoridades sirias para que retiren todos los cargos.

Mary Lawlor, directora de Front Line, afirmó: “Me alegra la decisión de liberar a Aktham Nu’aysa bajo fianza. Esta es la primera vez que el SSSC ha tomado una decisión semejante. Sin embargo, deben retirarse todos los cargos”.

Durante la vista de hoy celebrada en el SSSC en Damasco, se decidió dejar en libertad mañana a Aktham con una fianza de 10.000 libras sirias. Está previsto que la próxima vista se celebre el 24 de octubre de 2004.