Statement on freeing five of Damascus Spring detainees

Damascus- ADO: The Assyrian Democratic Organization has received with great pleasure news of freeing five of Damascus Spring detainees, former independent MPs Riyad Sayf and Mamun al-Himsi as well as Fawaz Tello, Walid al-Bunni and Habib Isa, following years of repressive unjustified detention, we further see, that this release,. although very late, is a step in the right direction and must be complemented by the immediate release of the other political prisoners and opinion detainees, and closing once and for all the file of political detention.

As a matter of fact, the closing of this file is considered an urgent and vital demand en route to the fulfillment of an openness that would greatly reduce the prevailing frustration in the Syrian society. Nevertheless, these steps alone, do not satisfy the ambitions of the Syrian people who are looking forward to a real comprehensive democratic changes that would safeguard the country and rid it of a crisis that the regime has generated over its long totalitarian rule.

These can be done through taking bold and serious measures , first , by abolishing the state of emergency and martial laws, as well as exceptional courts and laws . Secondly, by introducing constitutional amendments ending the monopoly of political activities, recognizing political and ethnic plurality, and finally, respecting human rights and freedom of expression.

The Assyrian Democratic Organization, while warmly congratulating the newly released detainees of Damascus Springs and their families, expresses its firm belief that they would continue to play their patriotic role with greater strength alongside the other national forces, until the eternal spring, spring of freedom and democracy, shines on Syria very soon Assyrian Democratic Organization Poetical Bureau.


– Damascus: 20-01-2006

Assyrian Democratic Organization
Poetical Bureau