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SHRC 
A Press spokesman for the Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) has said that the sentence issued on Kamal Labwani by the Criminal Court today (10/5/2007) reflects the lack of respect the Syrian Authorities have for human dignity, legal debates and basic human rights.
“The life sentence- reduced to twelve years in prison- issued to Dr. Kamal Labwani has similar bearings to law 49/1980. This goes to prove that sentences issued by the Syrian authorities on political prisoners are of the harshest punishments issued to all members of the opposition who call for democracy. It also works to threaten and frighten members of the opposition and deter them from their peaceful active call for democracy, making it clear that such a punishment awaits if they persist in their activities.”
The spokesman also noted that Dr. Kamal Labwani’s sentence is outrageously unproportional in comparison to his “charge”, bearing in mind that the accusation directed at him has not been proven.
The spokesman concluded by denouncing the illegal sentence issued upon Dr. al-Labwani, and calling for his right to freedom of expression and partaking in peaceful democratic activities. He also called for Dr. Labwani’s immediate release, and for the release of all prisoners of conscience and expression in the Syrian Prisons.
Background:
Dr. Kamal Labwani was born in al-Zabadani, rural Damascus, 1957
He was arrested for the second time on 8/11/2005 after his return from a European and American tour in which he had visited civil and human rights institutions and had met members of the Syrian opposition and other officials.
His case was transferred to the Criminal court, where his interrogation continued. He was imprisoned in a solitary cell and subjected to humiliating treatment during his period of detention and interrogation. The court accused him of making connections with foreign governments and convincing them of being hostile towards Syria.
Dr. Kamal Labwani had been arrested and detained previously on 8/9/2001 with the “Damascus Spring Detainees” and was sentenced to three years in prison. He was released on 9/9/2004, and has spoken of the agonies he endured during his imprisonment in a solitary cell for a long period of time.
Kamal Labwani is one of the founders of the National Dialogue Forum and a prominent liberal figure among the opposition.
Syrian Human Rights Committee
10/5/2007 |
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