The ICJ strongly condemns the decision of the Second Criminal Court of Damascus to convict Mr. Muhannad Al-Hasani, a prominent lawyer and human rights defender, and sentence him to three years imprisonment.
He was arrested on 28 July by officers of the Syrian General Intelligence Service and formally charged by an Investigating Judge on 12 October 2009 for“weakening national sentiments and encouraging racist and sectarian feelings”, and “transferring false and exaggerated news that weaken national sentiments” under Articles 285, 286 and 287 of the Penal Code.
Syria-Al-Hasani immediate release-press release-2009 (full text in English, PDF)
Syria-Al-Hasani persecution continues-press release-2010 (full text in English, PDF)
Syria-trial Al-Hasani Criminal Court-trial observation report-2010 (full text in English, PDF)
