Syria: Concern of political opposition figure Abdel Azeez el-Khair & human rights defender Khalil Maatouk

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Brussels, 4 October 2012

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Statement by the Spokesperson of the EU High Representative

on the disappearance of political opposition figure Abdel

Azeez el-Khair and human rights defender

Khalil Maatouk in Syria

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign

Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement

today:

"The High Representative is deeply concerned at the disappearance of Dr Abdel Azeez el-Khair

while leaving Damascus airport shortly after his return on 20 September from discussions in

Beijing. Dr el-Khair is a senior figure within the Syrian opposition movement &ational

Coordinating Committee, active in working towards peaceful political dialogue and transition in

Syria. Dr el-Khair has chosen to pursue the path of peaceful change by remaining in Syria and

working among Syrians. The High Representative calls on those responsible for his detention to

release him and the two colleagues detained with him as soon as possible, to the safety of their

families and friends.

The High Representative has also learned of the detention on 2 October of Khalil Maatouk, a

prominent Syrian human rights activist and lawyer, while leaving his home in Damascus, and calls

for his immediate release.

P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - [email protected]

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected]

Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - [email protected]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

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The level of violence and human suffering grows daily in Syria, and must be brought to an

immediate halt. It is vital for peace that those working for non-violent political transition and the

defence of human rights be allowed to work without threat or harassment, and that all those

detained are freed without delay.

The High Representative calls for all those responsible for human rights violations to be held

accountable. She welcomes the recent reinforcement of the Independent Commission of Inquiry and

reiterates her full support to the Commission."

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بيان المتحدث باسم الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون حول اختفاء المعارض عبد العزيز الخير والمدافع عن حقوق الإنسان خليل معتوق في سورية.