Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights defender Mohammed Badih al-Bab on 2 March 2008 in Damascus. Mohammed Badih al-Bab is a member of the National Organisation for Human Rights in Syria.

Further Information

Posted 17/04/2008 On 2 March 2008, Mohammed Badih al-Bab received a summons and was subsequently arrested. It is thought that the summons was issued against him due to articles he has recently written, in which he criticised the Minister for Information, Mohsen Bilal. Mohammed Badih al-Bab is currently being detained and his exact whereabouts are unknown. He is reportedly not allowed any visitors and has been denied access to a lawyer. No charges have yet been brought against him.

In 2000, Mohammed Badih al-Bab was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. He was released in 2005 following a presidential amnesty.

Front Line believes that Mohammed Badih al-Bab has been arrested and detained as a result of his legitimate human rights activities. Front Line is concerned for Mohammed Badih al-Bab's psychological and physical integrity and fears that he may be subject to torture and ill-treatment in detention.