The Syrian security apparatus has arrested Sheikh "Abdulrahman al-Kuki", searched his home, and confiscated his lab-top.

He was arrested upon his return from Qatar last Thursday 22/10/2009, after having participated in the television programme, "The Opposite Direction" on Tuesday 20/10/2009. The topic of the programme was the Niqab (full veil) and the recent decisions made by the Azhar Sheikh in its prohibition.

The Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) considers the arrest of Sheikh Abdulrahman al-Kuki on the basis of his expressing his opinion and beliefs as unjustifiable in the Syrian constitution which adopts freedom of expression and belief. SHRC therefore calls for his immediate release and for an end to the arrest of citizens on the basis of their expression and religious beliefs.

Syrian Human Rights Committee
25/10/2009