Syrian human-rights activist sentenced to 12 years (Roundup)

Damascus - Syrian human-rights activist Kamal Labwani was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in prison on charges of 'spreading false information' and conspiring against his native country. Labwani was arrested in November 2005 at Damascus airport on his arrival from the United States, where he had allegedly met with members of the Syrian opposition. He was sentenced by the Second Criminal Court in Damascus in the presence of representatives from European embassies in Syria. US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack condemned the Syrian government for the 'harsh and unjust sentencing' of Labwani and called for the release of all political prisoners in Syria. 'This action against Mr Labwani reflects the Syrian regime's contempt for human rights and a legal system devoid of legitimate legal standards,' McCormack said. In 2001, Labwani, 49, a physician, was arrested in a government clampdown on so-called political 'salons' - political gatherings held in private homes during which Syrian intellectuals discussed democratic reforms. He was sentenced to three years in prison on charges that include inciting rebellion, spreading false information and weakening national unity. He was released in September 2004 and two months later launched a campaign for the release of political prisoners in Syria. Upon succeeding his father in 2000, Syrian President Bashar Assad had initially released hundreds of political prisoners, but authorities have increasingly clamped down on pro-democracy activists in recent years. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

And Also

The Decade: Film's 10 Best Music Moments In The Aughts

The Decade: Film's 10 Best Music Moments In The Aughts - Cinema Blend
GASP: Goldstriker creates world's most expensive iPhone - The Tech Herald
Mysteries of "Zhu Zhu Hamsters," "Al Alberts," and "White House Party Crashers" Solved - PopEater
Chris Rock interview, Sons of Anarchy and Woody Allen shout out for 'Madagascar' star

Your Talkback on this Story

Latest Headlines in Middle East

Older Talkback

page: 1

Muslim Freedom.............May 11th, 2007 - 00:13:17

Heaven help us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Report this comment

ZawaiaMay 11th, 2007 - 09:30:42

Here is the best example to be followed by the American commander-in-chief: arrest all those 'libs' who spread false information and conspire against their native country. All those lefties who criticize the war and spread false information about the commander-in-chief should spend the rest of their lives in Guantanamo.

Report this comment

ANTI-EXTREMISMMay 11th, 2007 - 10:07:33

Too lenient for this SOB.

Report this comment

ANTI-EXTREMISMMay 11th, 2007 - 10:09:36

CORRECTION::: Too lenient for this SOB. He should have been sent to the FREWORLD'S 'G-BAY TYPE FACILITY.'

As far as I have read on him, he is enemy combatant.

Report this comment

page: 1

Middle East

Middle East News

Syrian human-rights activist sentenced to 12 years (Roundup)

And Also

Your Talkback on this Story

Similar articles

Latest Headlines in Middle East

Older Talkback

From Sites we Like

In Monsters and Critics

Corporate

The Fine Print