In a letter to the President of the Republic, Bachar el-Assad, Reporters Without Borders (RSF - Reporters sans frontières) expressed its deep concern after the recent dismissals of two brothers of the journalist Nizar Nayyouf. RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard asked the minister to "order the cancellation of this decision so that the brothers may be reinstated in their jobs". Robert Ménard added: "The Syrian authorities show now that they do not hesitate to attack Nizar Nayyouf's relatives to punish him for his statements. These are cowardly practices." RSF pointed out that one journalist, 'Adel Isma'il, is currently imprisoned in Syria. Arrested in 1996, he was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment.

According to the information collected by RSF, two brothers of Nizar Nayyouf, Amjad and Mamdouh Nayyouf, who worked as teachers in governmental establishments, were dismissed a few days ago. Amjad Nayyouf received a letter dated 2 October and signed by the Prime Minister, Mustapha Miro, in which he was informed of his dismissal. No reason was given. Pressure has previously been put on the brothers to break down their solidarity with Nizar Nayyouf. They have refused.

Moreover, Hayyane Nayyoufn, anther brother who is currently student in Tischreen university, in Lattakia, was threatened by some officials of the university. They told him that he would never pass his exams unless he stated officially that all statements of his brother were lies.

Released from jail in May 2001, after nine years in detention, Nizar Nayyouf now lives in France. An arrest warrant was issued against him in September 2001. The journalist is charged with "trying to change the constitution by illegal means and issuing false reports from a foreign country". Since his release, he gave numerous interviews to the Arab press, pointing out the question of human rights in Syria.

Reporters Without Borders noted that the Syrian president, Bashar el-Assad, is seen by the organisation as one of the press freedom predators in the world.

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