The European Parliament passed a resolution on 24 May 2007 expressing deep concern at the restrictions imposed and the charges made against human rights defender, Anwar al-Bunni for exercising his democratic right to engage in peaceful activities and called on the Syrian Government to respect freedom of opinion and the right to a fair trial.

On 24 April 2007, Anwar al-Bunni, a human rights lawyer and founding member of the Syrian Human Rights Association was sentenced by a Damascus Court to five-years imprisonment under the Syrian Penal Code for disseminating “false information harmful to the state” and for membership of an illegal political organisation.

Anwar al-Bunni was initially arrested on 17 May 2006 and has reportedly been detained without private access to his legal representatives at'Adra prison, where it is reported he has been subjected to ill treatment and beatings. His sentencing also included a fine of approximately US$2,000.

Front Line believes that Anwar al-Bunni has been targeted on the basis of his peaceful and legitimate activities in defence of human rights, in particular his defence of the right to freedom of expression and opinion. Shortly before his arrest, Anwar al-Bunni signed a petition known as the “Beirut-Damascus Declaration” - signed by 300 Lebanese and Syrian intellectuals - calling for improved relations between the Governments of Syria and Lebanon. Anwar al-Bunni has also been involved in a European Union sponsored project to establish a centre for human rights training in Damascus.

Front Line urges the Syrian authorities to release Anwar al-Bunni immediately and quash his conviction, as Front Line believes he has been detained due to his legitimate human rights activities and ensure that the treatment of Anwar al-Bunni, while in custody, adheres to all those conditions set out in the “Basic Principles for Treatment of Prisoners” adopted by General Assembly resolution 45/111 of 14 December 19.