In its report is Syria, AI reports that the fate of hundreds of people who “disappeared” in the 1970s and 1980s remained unknown. At least two political detainees died in custody . Hundreds of political prisoners, including prisoners of conscience, were released during 2000, however, hundreds of others remained in detention without trial or serving long sentences after unfair trials

In the issue of Arrests, sporadic arrest and detention of individuals for political reasons continued during 2000. Among those detained were individuals critical of the government and nationals of neighbouring Arab countries.

‘Disappearances’

The cases of hundreds of people, including suspected members of the Muslim Brotherhood and Lebanese nationals, who ”disappeared” in the late 1970s and 1980s remained unresolved. Despite the release of 46 Lebanese political prisoners, the fate of scores of others remained unknown.

Political prisoners

Hundreds of long-term political prisoners, including members of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Arab Communist Party (ACP) and the Democratic Ba’th Party (DBP), remained held in prisons since being arrested in the 1970s and 1980s. Many were held incommunicado without trial and others were serving long sentences passed after unfair trials.

The full report is on http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2001.nsf/webmepcountries/SYRIA?OpenDocument