Damascus Declaration leaders sentenced, judgement denounced

29/10/2008

A criminal court in Damascus has today convicted the 12 Damascus Declaration leaders of fomenting sectarian strife and has sentenced them to two and a half years in prison.

They were charged with spreading false information, belonging to a secret organization and promoting sectarian strife.

Judge Muhyiddin Al-Halaq read out the sentence. He found them guilty on two charges:

1- Weakening national feeling according to Article 285 of the penal code, which carries a three-years prison term.

2- Spreading false news according to Article 286 of the penal code, which also carries a three-year prison term.

The combined sentence of three years was however reduced by the judge by two and a half years starting from the day of their arrest. The 12 Damascus Declaration leaders have 30 days to appeal the verdict.

The court room, which was filled with relatives, supporters and Western diplomats, exploded in riotous clapping after the 12 Damascus Declaration leaders standing in the dock held hands and chanted: “Long live Syria, free for all its citizens” and “a free Syria deserves all sacrifice.”

Amid these scenes of defiance, policemen and members of the security forces became agitated. Under the command of a brigadier general, they were ordered to forcefully evacuate the court and nearby corridors as the Damascus Declaration leaders and their supporters exchanged waves and shouted slogans denouncing the judgement.

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