State Secretary Raymond Johansen criticises judgments against human rights defenders in Syria

Human rights advocate Anwar Al-Bunni, political dissident Kamal Labwani and the two human rights defenders Michel Kilo and Mahmoud Issa were recently sentenced to imprisonment for five, twelve, three and three years, respectively.

All four have been convicted for subversive activities on the basis of statements they have made and their participation in meetings. The Norwegian Government has previously taken up the situations of Anwar Al-Bunni and Michel Kilo with the Syrian Government on a number of occasions. 

“I am very critical of the Syrian authorities’ attempts to stop the work of human rights and democracy advocates. The right to freedom of expression and freedom of association are fundamental in any democracy,” said State Secretary Raymond Johansen. 

“As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Syria is obliged to respect the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association, and to respect basic principles of the rule of law such as the right to a fair trial. I therefore urge the Syrian Government to fulfil their international obligations and overturn these judgments,” said Mr Johansen.