See some of what they do in Aleppo..

The Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) has learnt from many sources in Aleppo that the Military Intelligence Branch in the city had summoned many people to the branch during the final week of Ramadan (11-19/9/2009). Those that were called upon came from all corners of the Aleppian society, ranging from old well-known families, the cultured and educated class, as well as business men and figures that engage in officially known voluntary and charitable acts.

These summons, which were implemented by orders from the highest authorities of the Military Intelligence Branch, did not fall short of interrogations and pressurizations, and lasted many hours. In fact, even after the interrogation sessions ended, the intelligence took those they had called upon to their homes, searched them for prohibited books. Many books, which are available for sale in Syrian bookshops and libraries, as well as personal computers and CD’s were confiscated from some of the homes searched.

SHRC was able to identify the names of some of those who were summoned, including: Dr. Ibrahim al-Taayih (specialist in Skin diseases), the dentist Mahmoud Aziza, the engineer Talal Shabariq, pharmacist Sa’ad Wafaa’I, businessman Waddah Bawadiqji, and the teacher Azzam Khanji.

It is also important to note that some of those who had been summoned had run for positions in the Syrian parliament in the previous elections, and some are active members of the assembly of the city of Aleppo, and many are also presidents and directors of licensed charitable organizations.

SHRC views these summons with extreme concern, worried that they may be a pre-requisite to a larger campaign which may prohibit their activities which provide beneficial services to the society and community in Aleppo, and urges the Syrian Authorities to put an end to the actions practiced by the Syrian security which leaves a negative impact on all, and to stop pressurizing the class in it’s society which serves it and provides beneficial services. SHRC also calls for an end to the constant tension which causes these practices and leads to division rather than national harmony in the country. Instead, SHRC requests that the path be widened and opportunities be offered to those that serve their community in a beneficial manner.

Syrian Human Rights Committee
23/9/2009