Syria: Greens express concern at arrest of Syrian pro-democracy activist

The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament has expressed concern at the arrest of Michel Kilo, a prominent pro-democracy activist in Syria, on 14 May (1). Commenting on the arrest, Green MEP Cem Özdemir said:

"This arrest is further evidence of the ongoing campaign by the Syrian authorities to harass and imprison those seeking to promote human rights and non-violent opponents of government policies. The EU must take these ongoing abuses seriously in the context of the ongoing negotiations on a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with Syria. A human rights clause must form a central part of any agreement and the EU must ensure it is fully respected.

"The European Commission and the Council should take all necessary measures to ensure the release of Michel Kilo. It is also important to remind the Syrian authorities that they must guarantee, in all circumstances, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights law and, notably, with the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders."

Editors note:

(1) According to the information received, Michel Kilo may have been arrested by the Syrian intelligences services in relation to the recent publication of a petition co-signed by Syrian and Lebanese intellectuals and human rights activists calling for Syria to demarcate its border with Lebanon and for the improvement of the relations between both countries.

Source: www.greens-efa.org/cms/pressreleases/dok/125/125428.syria@en.htm