Front Line welcomes the decision of the Syrian Supreme State Court (SSSC) to release Aktham Naisse President of the Committees for the Defence of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (CDF) and calls on the Syrian authorities to drop all charges.

Mary Lawlor, Director of Front Line said “ I welcome the decision to release Aktham Naisse on bail. This is the first time that the SSSC has made such a decision, however all charges must be dropped”

At today’s hearing at the SSSC in Damascus it was decided to release Aktham tomorrow with a bail of 10.000 Syrian Pounds. The next hearing is due to take place the 24 October 2004.

Front Line is concerned that Aktham Naisse has not been receiving a fair trail. International observer and Egyptian lawyer, Negad El Borai was present at the first hearing on 26 July. He stated that the usual criminal procedures are not applicable before the Supreme State Security Court as the SSSC does not fall under the authority of the higher judiciary but under the National Security Office of the ruling Baath Party. One of the three judges presiding at the trial is a military official and also all SSSC decisions cannot be appealed. Since Aktham Naisse was arrested he has not been allowed to meet with his lawyer privately. It is reported that Aktham is in very poor health and weak. While in prison Aktham suffered a stroke which left him partially paralysed.

Aktham Naisse, was arbitrarily detained on 13 April 2004. He was charged with “opposing the objectives of the revolution” and “disseminating false information aiming at weakening the State.” Front Line believes that Naisse has been persecuted for exercising his right to freedom of expression and association, which are fundamental human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948. These charges could carry a sentence of 15-years of forced labour. (FL Press Release 16 August 2004)

Syrian human rights defender arbitrarily detained on 13 April 2004 [0]