President Bush Urges Release of Syrian Prisoners of Conscience

Kamal Labwani arrested in Damascus after visits to Paris and Washington

President Bush called for the immediate and unconditional release of Kamal Labwani and other prisoners of conscience by the Syrian government in a statement issued by the White House on December 10.

The imprisonment of these individuals "is just one example of the government of Syria's ongoing repression of the Syrian people," according to the White House.

Labwani was jailed from 2001 to 2004 for his participation in a democratic movement known as the Damascus Spring that started after the death of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad.

The activist visited the United States in late October and early November as a guest of the State Department and met with U.S. officials and representatives from international human rights groups. He was jailed again November 8 on his return to Damascus, Syria.

The White House on November 10 also issued a call for his release. (See related article.)

Following is the text of the White House statement:

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

December 10, 2005

Statement by the Press Secretary

Statement on a Call for the Release of Dr. Kamal Labwani and Other Prisoners of Conscience in Syria

As we commemorate Human Rights Day, we call attention to the continued imprisonment in Syria of Dr. Kamal Labwani and the many other prisoners of conscience whom the Syrian authorities have denied the fundamental right to freedom of opinion and expression. Dr. Labwani was arrested by Syrian authorities in Damascus on November 8, 2005, upon his return from Paris and Washington, DC. While in Washington, Dr. Labwani participated in a cultural exchange program organized by the Department of State and attended a meeting at the White House.

President Bush calls on the Syrian Government to immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Labwani and all other prisoners of conscience, including Habib Saleh and Nizar Rastanawi, as well as those arrested after the Damascus Spring: Arif Dalilah, Riad Seif, Mamun al-Homsi, Walid al Bunni, Habib Issa, and Fawaz Tello.

The imprisonment of these and other Syrian prisoners of conscience is just one example of the government of Syria's ongoing repression of the Syrian people. The Syrian Government must cease its harassment of Syrians peacefully seeking to bring democratic reform to their country. The United States stands with the Syrian people in their desire for freedom and democracy.

Source: U.S. Department of State

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