Six imprisoned human rights defenders in Syria

By: Roni Doumit Harb and Amnesty International

Mamun al-Humsi, Riad Seif, ‘Aref Dalilah, Muhammad Ra’dun, Nizar Ristnawi, and Mas’oud Hamid, human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience in Syria since 25 of July 2005,

Summary

On 25 July 2005 and 3 August 2005, AI issued medical actions on behalf of Mamun al-Humsi, Riad Seif, ‘Aref Dalilah, Muhammad Ra’dun, Nizar Ristnawi, and Mas’oud Hamid. AI was concerned at the state of health of the six human rights defenders most of whom had recently been on hunger strike. All six remain in prison though AI has received further information on two of the men. AI regards all six men as prisoners of conscience.

Update

Riad Seif’s health continues to deteriorate.  He is reported to be seriously ill and remains in need of heart surgery. In addition, he and Mamun al-Humsi are being kept in separate windowless cells, each with criminal prisoners who seem to have been placed there deliberately to worsen the two men’s quality of life. Reportedly, Riad Seif and Mamun al-Humsi’s cell-mates continually provoke them. AI is concerned that heavy smoking by those held with the prisoners of conscience may have a harmful effect on their health.

The authorities are reported to be making it increasingly difficult for Riad Seif’s lawyer to visit him. Mamun al-Humsi continues to be held incommunicado.

Addresses

His Excellency Bashar al-Assad
President                                                
Presidential Palace        
Abu Rummaneh
al-Rashid Street
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Fax: + 963 11 332 3410

His Excellency General Ghazi Kan'an                
Minister of Interior
Ministry of Interior                                        
Merjeh Circle                                                
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic                                        
Fax + 963 11 222 3428
Email: admin@civilaffair-moi.gov.sy
       
His Excellency Dr Maher al-Husami        
Minister of Health
Ministry of Health
Majlis ash-Sha’b
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic                                
Fax: + 963 11 331 1114

His Excellency Muhammad  al-Ghafari                
Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice                                        
Al-Nasr Street                                                
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Fax: + 963 11 222 3428