A high-ranking Syrian official denied allegations leveled by a human rights group that detainees were tortured to death in Syrian prisons. The Human Rights Association in Syria (HRAS) published its annual report this week and said that 13 Syrian prisoners, among them 11 Kurds, died of torture throughout 2004.
The London-based Al-Hayyat quoted the official as saying, “the Syrian authorities have no information regarding death among suspects in any Syrian prison or intelligence facilities.” He also denied the existence of arbitrary arrests carried out by orders from above.
The report, made public on Monday, said there are about 2,000 political prisoners in Syrian jails. However, Syrian officials say all arrests are conducted legally.
The group noted some improvements in the procedure following an arrest.
HRAS nevertheless pointed out two positive steps that Syria has implemented recently – releasing 312 Kurdish prisoners arrested last year during riots in Qamishli and granting Syrian passports to Syrians living abroad.
HRAS is a non-governmental organization which monitors and documents human rights violations in Syria and promotes enhancement of human rights. However, the organization functions under strong government restrictions and occasional detention of its members.
Syria’s violations of human rights have been highlighted by additional international criticism of Syria for its presence in Lebanon and its accommodation of terrorist individuals and facilities.