Syria

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports that a travel ban has been imposed against human rights defender Aktham Naisse on 14 October 2008. Aktham Naisse is a lawyer, a founding member of the Committee for the Defense of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (CDF) and the Director of the Cham Centre for Democratic and Human Rights Studies in Syria. In 2005 he was the recipient of the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders.  

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports that the Syrian authorities have refused to confirm the whereabouts of human rights defender and writer Hammam Haddad, who was arbitrarily detained on 7 September 2008. Hammam Haddad has been active in publicising cases of human rights violations in Syria and has also worked to support victims of human rights violations and their families.  

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights defender Bahrouz Yousif on 3 May 2008 by Airforce Intelligence in the Harista district of Damascus. No reason has been given for his arrest and his whereabouts are as yet unknown. He was under interrogation from 23 April 2008 until his arrest. Bahrouz Yousif works in the defence of human rights in Syria.  

Front Line is deeply concerned following the recent sentencing of human rights defender Mohammed Badih al-Bab to 6 months in prison in Damascus. Mohammed Badih al-Bab is a member of the National Organisation for Human Rights in Syria.  

Front Line is deeply concerned following the arrest of human rights defender Habib Salih on 9 May 2008. Habib Salih is a writer and pro-democracy campaigner. He is a founder of the Tartus branch of the National Dialogue Forum.