Detention of Riad Seif and other signatories of the Damascus Declaration

8.2.2008

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0815/08
by Carlos Carnero González (PSE) and Elena Valenciano Martínez-Orozco (PSE)
to the Commission

On 28 January 2008 the former Syrian MP, Riad Seif, a leading member of the democratic opposition in Syria, was arrested along with 11 other signatories of the Damascus Declaration: Ahmed Tomeh, Jaber Al‑Choufi, Akram Bounni, Walid Bounni, Mohammad Yasser Al‑Iti, Fida Horani, Alí Abadía, Fayez Sara, Mohammad Hajji Darwich, Marwan Al‑Aachi and Talal Abu Dan.

We believe that the arrest of these Syrian citizens for the mere peaceful expression of their opinions, advocating democratic change in Syria, fails to comply with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Agreement on Civil and Political Rights, which Syria signed and ratified in 1969, where the right to freedom of expression, the right of assembly and the right to be treated with humanity and respect when under arrest are clearly laid down.

What measures does the Commission intend to take to protect Syrian citizens in the peaceful exercise of their rights and freedoms of expression and assembly?

Is the Commission going to denounce these violations of fundamental rights and approach the Syrian authorities with regard to the situation of the aforesaid prisoners? What measures has it taken and is it going to take with regard to the real promotion of freedom in Syria and the Mediterranean countries as a whole?

OJ C 291, 13/11/2008