The Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) has learnt from an informed source in Aleppo this morning of the death of the ex-detainee Abdul Sattar Qattan (68 years) whilst washing his kidneys in hospital. Abdul Sattar Qattan had spent three terms of prison over more than 20 years due to his opinions and creed, and was afterwards banned from travelling to receive treatment abroad although he was in great need of it.
The Engineer Abdul Sattar Qattan was born in Aleppo, 1940, and has four daughters. He is an electronic and communications engineer. As a talented inventor, he has many patents of inventions listed under his name.
He was arrested in 1975 due to his moderate Islamic tendencies, and then released in 1977. He was arrested for the second time in 1979 for the same reason, and experienced intense and horrific torture in Tadmur Prison and other interrogation centres until he was released in 1997.
Abdul Sattar Qattan travelled to Saudi Arabia to visit his relatives and perform the Umra in the autumn of 2004. Upon his return on 27/11/2004 he was arrested once again and accused of providing financial support to the families of detainees or those who had disappeared in Syrian prisons approximately 28 years ago.
During his interrogation he was subjected to severe torture and placed in a solitary cell for a long period of time. This had a negative effect on his health, leading initially to heart problems, only to be followed by all kinds of illnesses which weakened his health, without having access to appropriate treatment.
On 2/4/2006 the SSSC sentenced him to death according to law 49/1980. His sentence was then reduced to 12 years in prison with hard labour, fine and stripping of civil rights.
In Sednaya Prison, his health reached a critical level. He was almost paralysed and was afflicted with kidney failure at a dangerous level.
The engineer Abdul Sattar Qattan never practised or took part in any violent activities. In fact, he was once arrested from his workplace, the second time from his home, and the third from the Syrian borders as upon his return from Umra to the country in an official manner.
The Syrian Authorities released the engineer Abdul Sattar Qattan on 12/6/2007, after his health had deteriorated to the point of despair and his kidney failure was so great, they needed washing three times a week. The doctors advised him to travel abroad to have a transplant due to his critical condition, but the Syrian Security and political authorities banned and forbade him from travelling, which ultimately led to his death.
SHRC had previously called upon the Syrian Authorities to allow the engineer Abdul Sattar Qattan to seek treatment abroad in order to save his life, however there was no reply.
SHRC offers its condolences to the family of Abdul Sattar Qattan, who suffered from arbitrary and repressive arrests and detention and was banned from travelling. His death was caused by the ban imposed by the Syrian Authorities which denied him travelling abroad for treatment. SHRC considers him a martyr of conscience, creed and noble humanitarian work, and holds the Syrian Authorities accountable for the grievances he suffered and the tragic end he endured.
SHRC also condemns all arbitrary arrests carried out against the freedom of speech, conscience and creed and calls upon the Syrian Authorities to put an end to arrests, infringement upon freedoms and the banning of travel.
Syrian Human Rights Committee
26/8/2008