With reference to the urgent call issued by the Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) on 19/12/2008 for the release of the youth Bassam Zakiah, who was arrested on 17/11/2008 after he had obtained a visit permit. SHRC has learnt that he has been released however he has been banned from travelling outside Syria.
SHRC calls upon the Syrian authorities to permit Bassam Zakia to travel outside Syria which is a humanitarian and constitutional right of his, and particularly as his family are in dire need of his help due to his father’s critical health condition.
Syrian Human Rights Committee
3/2/2009

Background:
The Syrian Security Intelligence in the city of Hama arrested the youth Bassam Zakia (born 1983) on 17/11/2008, three months following his arrival in the country. He had arrived to Syria from Jordan in order to obtain a visa that would allow him to work in Saudi Arabia.
Bassam had contacted the Syrian Embassy in Jordan and obtained a visit permit. After his arrival to Hama however, the military security intelligence called him to their office several  times, consequently arresting him on the above mentioned date. .
Bassam Zakia’s father is an elderly man who suffers from numerous diseases and critical health conditions. Bassam’s reason for going to Syria to obtain a Visa to Saudi Arabia was to help his parents and family, who are in dire need of him due to his father’s health complications.