SYRIA: Where is humanrights lawyer Khalil Maatouk?

Paris-Geneva,February 18, 2013. The Observatory for the Protection of Human RightsDefenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights(FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), expresses its utmostconcern for the physical and psychological integrity of human rights lawyerKhalil Maatouk after his enforced disappearance 139 days ago.

Mr.Khalil Maatouk, a human rights lawyer who has defended numerousprisoners of conscience before Syrian courts, was arrested with a friend byarmed men on October 2, 2012 at a checkpoint in Sahnaya (in the countrysideoutside of Damascus). Since then, no further information could be obtainedregarding his situation and whereabouts. Neither of the men has been seensince, although even the extensive period of legal custody of 60 days elapsed.Despite repeated requests by his relatives and lawyers, the Syrian authoritieshave failed to provide information on Mr. Khalil Maatouk’s fate and whereaboutsand did not allow him to contact his family and lawyers.

Whiletwo witnesses claimed having seen Mr. Maatouk in a detention centre, thejudicial authorities have recently denied holding him in custody. Thus beingplaced outside the protection of the law, there are serious concerns for hisphysical and mental integrity, accentuated by his need of medical treatment fora chronic disease. Indeed, Mr. Maatouk suffers from a serious medical condition,which requires specific medical care.

The Observatory calls upon the Syrian authorities toimmediately disclose Mr. Maatouk’s whereabouts and release him as it believes thathis arrest is related to his human rights activities.

Inaddition, the Observatory urges the Syrian authoritiesto put an end to all acts of harassment against human rights defenders, toimmediately and unconditionally release all persons arbitrarily detained and toconform in all circumstances with the United Nations Declaration on HumanRights Defenders (1998) as well as international human rights instrumentsratified by Syria.

Forfurther information, please contact:

· FIDH: Arthur Manet / Audrey Couprie: + 33 1 43 55 25 18

· OMCT: Delphine Reculeau : + 41 22 809 49 39