(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to President Bashar al-Assad, RSF expressed its deep concern after the recent dismissals of two of journalist Nizar Nayyouf’s brothers. RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard asked the president to “order the cancellation of this decision so that the brothers may be reinstated in their jobs.” Ménard added, “The Syrian authorities now […]
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to President Bashar al-Assad, RSF expressed its deep concern after the recent dismissals of two of journalist Nizar Nayyouf’s brothers. RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard asked the president to “order the cancellation of this decision so that the brothers may be reinstated in their jobs.” Ménard added, “The Syrian authorities now show 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 information collected by RSF, two of Nayyouf’s brothers, 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 2001 and signed by 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 their solidarity with Nayyouf. They have refused.
Moreover, Hayane Nayyouf, another brother who is currently a student at Tischreen University in Lattakia, was threatened by university officials. They told him that he would never pass his exams unless he stated officially that all of his brother’s statements were lies.
Released from jail in May after spending nine years in detention, Nayyouf now lives in France. An arrest warrant was issued against him in September. 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 has given numerous interviews to the Arab press in which he has focused on the human rights situation in Syria.
RSF recalls that President al-Assad is included on the organisation’s list of international press freedom predators.
