November 13, 2010 by sks
EU Heads of Mission to Syria on the Martin Ennals Award presented to Mr. Muhannad al-Hassani in Geneva
The EU Heads of Mission welcome the decision of the Jury of the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders to present the 2010 Award to Mr. Muhannad al-Hassani, for his dedication to fundamental rights and freedoms. Mr. Muhannad al-Hassani, a prominent Syrian lawyer has been detained since July 2009 and was convicted to a three-year term imprisonment in June 2010 on charges that are in breach of his fundamental rights and freedoms.
The EU Heads of Mission honour Mr. Muhannad al-Hassani for his exceptional courage for defending the rule of law and the right to establish a human rights organisation in Syria. We extend our support to the family, friends and activists, who are close to Mr. al-Hassani.
The EU Heads of Mission urge Syria to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honour its international commitments, in particular under the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights, which Syria signed.
The EU Heads of Mission reiterate the EU commitment to the protection and support to Human Rights Defenders, according to the EU guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the European Council in June 2004.
The EU Heads of Mission recall the statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on behalf of the EU issued on 27 July 2010 strongly condemning the sentencing of Mr. al- Hassani and calling, inter alia, for his immediate release.
