AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Public Statement

Syria: Amnesty International deplores 12-year prison term imposed on Kamal al-Labwani

Amnesty International deplores the latest harsh sentence handed down against an advocate of peaceful reform in , following this morning’s verdict against Kamal al-Labwani.

The Criminal Court declared medical doctor Kamal al-Labwani guilty of ‘‘scheming with a foreign country, or communicating with one with the aim of causing it to attack Syria," under Article 264 of the Syrian Penal Code. The charge relates to Kamal al-Labwani’s visit to Europe and the USA in 2005 where he met human rights organisations and government officials and called for a process of peaceful democratic reform in Syria.

According to Amnesty International’s information, the court ignored defence evidence during the trial showing that Kamal al-Labwani has repeatedly opposed any advocacy of US aggression against Syria. The judgment reflected once again how the justice system in Syria is not independent of the executive and how trials in the country fall short of international standards for fair trials. On hearing the sentence, Kamal al-Labwani reportedly expressed thanks for the support given to him inside and outside of the court and stated ‘‘I accept the decision and consider it the best certificate I have ever received’’.

During his detention since 8 November 2005, when he returned from abroad, Kamal al-Labwani has suffered beatings and ill-treatment.

Medical doctor Kamal al-Labwani is a previous prisoner of conscience, having been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after an unfair trial for his involvement in the peaceful pro-reform movement known as the ‘‘Damascus Spring’’. He was released on 9 September 2004.

The sentencing of Kamal al-Labwani today follows the 24 April imprisonment by the same court of leading human rights lawyer Anwar al-Bunni, who was sentenced to a five-year prison term following an unfair trial. He is believed to have been prosecuted for political reasons, on account of his work defending human rights. There are fears that two other advocates of peaceful reform, and Mahmoud ‘Issa, will also be convicted and sentenced to lengthy jail terms by the Damascus Criminal Court when the verdict in their trial is handed down on 13 May. Amnesty International calls for all four men to be released immediately and unconditionally.