Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network – EMHRN

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600 Political Prisoners to be Released in Syria	Date: 29-11-2000

600 political prisoners to be released in Syria This week, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) welcomed the amnesty for 600 political prisoners in Syria. According to EMHRN information, the Syrian authorities on 16 November, 2000 announced an amnesty which orders the release of 201 persons from the Islamic Liberation Party, 270 members and sympathisers of the Muslim Brotherhood, 100 prisoners accused of relations with foreign powers, 25 prisoners from the Leftist parties and two members of the Committees for the Defence of Human Rights in Syria (CDF) The announcement follows the release of political prisoners earlier this year, in July, May and April. In general, the EMHRN acknowledged the Syrian government’s commitment to the Barcelona process which aims at creating an area of peace, stability and prosperity in the Euro-Mediterrranean region based on the respect for human rights and the rule of law. Although concerned about the general human rights situation in Syria, the EMHRN welcomes the small steps taken since the Barcelona Conference in November 1995. This includes the release of members of the CDF in 1998 as well as in February and Maj 2000 and the recent granting permit to Aktham Nyasse (President of the CDF) to leave Syria for medical treatment in Europe. The EMHRN looks forward to the next steps by the Syrian government to bring practice and legislation into conformity with international human rights standards in the spirit of the Barcelona Declaration.

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