Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights defender Bahrouz Yousif on 3 May 2008 by Airforce Intelligence in the Harista district of Damascus. No reason has been given for his arrest and his whereabouts are as yet unknown. He was under interrogation from 23 April 2008 until his arrest. Bahrouz Yousif works in the defence of human rights in Syria.

Further Information

Posted 16/07/2008 Front Line believes that the arbitrary arrest and detention of Bahrouz Yousif is directly related to his legitimate and peaceful activities in defence of human rights. In view of the fact that his whereabouts are currently unknown, Front Line is seriously concerned for his physical and psychological integrity. Front Line further believes that the arrest and arbitrary detention of Bahrouz Yousif may form part of an ongoing pattern of intimidation with the objective of restricting the work of human rights defenders in Syria.