Human Rights and Media sources in the Syrian capital relayed that the detainee Mohammed Shaher Haysa (26 years) from Soran in Hama province recently died as a result of the severe torture inflicted on him during his detainment which lasted for few months in one of the interrogation security centres in Damascus. His body was handed over to his family few days ago at the military Hospital of Harasta in Damascus. Mr. Haysa was arrested because of his Islamic affiliation.

The Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) condemns in the strongest terms the use of brutal torture that lead to death of Mr. Haysa, and holds the Syrian authorities fully responsible for his death, and for the fates of hundreds of detainees who undergo similar conditions and could face similar end. SHRC requests the Syrian authorities to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Haysa’s death, and to immediately banish the practise of torture as it is an inhuman method of extracting forced confessions. It is inhuman to punish and extinguish their anger and hatred towards the detainees whilst they aim to deter other members of the opposition.

SHRC appeals to the local and international Human Rights groups to protest against the Syrian authorities’ use of excessive torture which leads to death, and to condemn those who are responsible for causing the death of Mohammed Shaher Haysa.

SHRC also reminds that the Syrian authorities continue to disregard the right of man to life, his safety from arbitrary arrests and torture. These pose serious breaches of human rights and both the Syrian constitution and international covenants endorsed by the successive Syrian governments.

The Syrian Human Rights Committee
24/4/2006