Amnesty International has published its yearly report on the human rights around the globe. Its report on Syria started by mentioning the general amnesty issued by President Hafez al-Assad in July 1999 which had resulted in the release of an unspecified number of political prisoners, but noticed that the main beneficiaries were prisoners charged with economic offences.  

It states that restrictions imposed on the travel of Syrian nationals were relaxed during the year, but AI remained concerned about continued infringement of the rights of former political prisoners, including their right to freedom of movement and travel. Hundreds of people, including foreign nationals, were arrested on political grounds. Hundreds of political detainees, including prisoners of conscience, remained in detention, some held without charge or trial and others serving long sentences passed after unfair trials before the Supreme State Security Court (SSSC). There were reports of torture and ill-treatment and a number of sick detainees remained held without access to adequate medical care. 

The Full report can be accessed from the AI web site