In reference to the statement issued yesterday "Tahrir Party Suspects arrested in Homs", SHRC has learnt that the Security authorities are attempting to arrest those who had also been detained in the year 2000 because of their suspected affiliation to Tahrir Party.

Eye witnesses told SHRC that the two citizens Hashem Abdul Mannan Bayerli and Musheer Salahuddeen Abu al-Laban were arrested in the form of abduction. On Sunday 12/11/2006, they were walking down Abu al-Awf Street at around 10:30pm when they were suddenly surrounded by private cars. Elements from the cars attempted to force them into one of the vehicles whilst the two citizens resisted. People in the street began to shout, alerting others to the attempt of abduction. At this point, a policeman hurried to one of the cars and returned, informing those present that there was a Major in the car, and the people began to disperse.

Another knowledgeable source from Homs told SHRC that when the Air Force Intelligence patrol arrived at one of the raided houses after midnight on Saturday 11/11/2006, they began to empty all wardrobes, scatter all contents on the floor, and topple the sofas upside down. In addition they searched the beds, kitchen and bathrooms in a ruthless and rough manner that brings to mind the raids of the eighties. Elements were armed with automatic guns, whilst wearing pistols around their waists. They pushed the doors open without seeking permission or giving time for ladies to put on their dresses or headscarves. Eventually, they arrested a young man in pyjamas refusing to allow him to wear his clothes, claiming that they will return him in an hour's time. During their search, they stole large amounts of money and other valuables. The patrol consisted of men in plain clothes and others in the Air Forces uniform.

The number of detainees identified by SHRC is six, although the number reaches forty. They are Gazwan al-Shawwa, Jihad al-Kayyal, Basheer Abu al-Laban, Musheer Abu al-Laban, Iyad al-Kharraz and Hashem Bayerli.

SHRC repeatedly and strongly condemns the unjustified raids and despotic arrests. It also condemns the rough treatment inflicted on the peaceful civilians at their homes after midnight. In addition, SHRC condemns the acts of stealing and the unethical and unlawful dealings conducted by the intelligence elements when raiding the citizens' houses.

SHRC requests the immediate release of all detainees arrested in this campaign, the termination of all forms of despotic and illegal detainments, the return of all stolen sums of money and valuables, and to offer apologies to all families terrorised by the raids which were conducted outside the rule of law.

SHRC appeals to all supporters of human rights, local and international societies to stand against the unfair campaign carried out by the Syrian authorities to suppress all opposing voices.

Syrian Human Rights Committee
15/11/2006