Press Statement "Original in Arabic"

Salem Al Meslet

Syrian Coalition Spokesperson

August 11, 2015

Upon the release of Mazen Darwish, spokesman for the Syrian Coalition Salem al-Meslet said:

Mazen Darwish, founder of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, was released after an arbitrary arrest that lasted nearly three and a half years in an Assad prison. Though was emancipated ahead of his August 21st final verdict on charges of “promoting terrorist acts,” on behalf of all Syrians, I congratulate Darwish, the journalist and defender of freedom of expression on his release and on restoring his freedom.

While the Assad regime’s continual kidnapping, arrest and torture of activists and journalists has not, and will never weaken their resolve, this only serves to strengthen their defiance, reliance, and honor.

And while we congratulate Darwish on winning the UNESCO's 2015 annual press freedom prize and Reporters Without Borders’ 2013 award, we demand the immediate release of all detainees and abductees whose continued suffering will always be in the thoughts and conscience of every devoted Syrian.