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SHRC 
The Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) has learnt from trusted sources in the province of Idlib that a massive wave of arrests has been taking place in the province, although it has intensified after 15/6/2007. This campaign has been specifically targeting citizens of religious Salfi tendency background.
The campaign was initiated after a group of youths returned from performing Umrah, bringing with them booklets for free distribution which they began to distribute. Upon learning of this, the Intelligence Apparatus arrested the youth Safwan Qadoor from the village of Kureen in Areeha, where he was subjected to severe torture. The youth Musab al-Sheikh was subsequently arrested and subjected to severe torture, and then both were transferred to the Palestine Branch for Military Interrogation (branch 235). It is said that they were accused of distributing unauthorised leaflets and enthused to join an organisation that aims to change the social and economic structure of the state.
Another youth that had performed Umrah, Mohammed Qurbi from Areeha was also arrested then released, however he was re-arrested a month ago during the process of his wedding party. Nobody has heard of him or knows what has happened to him, nor his whereabouts. The citizens of Areeha are well aware of this incident.
Mohammed Sakheeta was then arrested, followed by Mohammed Tukko and Muhsin Tukko from the village of Mosibeen. The young student, Iyad al-Adl was also arrested. It is believed that they have been arrested due to the humanitarian aid they provide to the families of the abovementioned detainees. News of the severe torture inflicted upon them in the Military Intelligence Interrogation Centers has spread.
The campaign has broadened since, reaching and victimizing tens of religious youth in the province of Idlib. Even a close source has reported that the number of those detained in the mentioned campaign has exceeded 200, and that some citizens have had to leave Syria, fearing their arrest.
SHRC strongly condemns these arbitrary arrests and the infliction of torture upon citizens, and calls upon the Syrian Authorities to immediately release the detainees of this unjustified wave of arrests and to stop all repressive arrests and Intelligence hegemony on citizens. SHRC also calls for an end to the criminalizing of citizens who have committed no crime or fault, and requests for the release of freedom and the right to express one's views, beliefs, social and political work to be allowed.
Syrian Human Rights Committee
12/7/2007 |
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