SYRIA

PEN International welcomes the release on May 13, 2012, of writer and thinker Salama Kila. However, PEN remains seriously concerned for Kila’s well-being following his deportation to Jordan, where he has no means of support. Kila was reportedly subjected to torture while in detention. PEN urges the Syrian authorities to immediately investigate the reported torture and bring those responsible to justice. It also protests his forced exile and separation from his family solely for the peaceful expression of his views.
 

Background Information

Kila, who is of Palestinian origin, was arrested on April 23, 2012, for writing an article in the newspaper Al-Yasari (The Leftist). He had been previously detained for eight years in Syrian jails in the 1990s as a result of his writings. After his release in November 2000 he remained under threat and continuous harassment from the Syrian authorities. He had to report to interrogation centers every month and was stripped of his civil and political rights.
 
Since his release in 2000, Kila has published 12 books analyzing the political situation in the Middle East. His publications include The Current Globalization, published in Damascus in 2004, and his latest book The Problems of the Arab National Movement, published in Amman, Jordan in 2010. He currently writes for several Arabic newspapers and magazines.

Kila suffers from cancer and he has been receiving treatment for the last two years. His family, on whom he depends for medical care, remains in Damascus, and there are serious concerns for his well-being in Jordan.

Write A Letter

  • Expressing serious concerns for Salama Kila’s well-being following his deportation to Jordan and separation from his family;
  • Calling for the authorities to launch a full investigation into Kila’s reports that he was subjected to torture while in detention so those responsible are brought to justice;
  • Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently detained in violation of Article 19 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Syria is a state party.

Send Your Letter To

Given the present crisis in Syria, we suggest that letters are sent to the Syrian embassy in your country if possible.