(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC of International PEN is concerned at the continued detention of poet and writer Marwan Osman, a member of the Kurdish PEN Centre. International PEN continues to believe that Osman has been targeted by the Syrian authorities solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and association as guaranteed by Article […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC of International PEN is concerned at the continued detention of poet and writer Marwan Osman, a member of the Kurdish PEN Centre. International PEN continues to believe that Osman has been targeted by the Syrian authorities solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and association as guaranteed by Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Reports received by the WiPC on 31 March 2003 state that Osman and political activist Hassan Saleh have been transferred from the Criminal to the Political Section of ‘Adra Prison, where it is assumed that they are in solitary confinement. They have also reportedly been denied visits from their families and have been unable to receive medical and legal assistance.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– expressing alarm at the continued detention of Osman and Saleh for the peaceful practice of their right to freedom of expression, in contravention of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Syria is a signatory
– urging the Syrian authorities to ensure that Osman and Saleh are able to receive medical and legal assistance and visits from their families in detention
– calling for Osman’s and Saleh’s immediate and unconditional release
Appeals To
His Excellency President Bashar al-Assad
President of the Republic
Presidential Palace
Abu Rummaneh, Al-Rashid Street
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Fax: +963 11 332 3410
Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Syria in your country and to the source if possible.
