PEN International is appalled by the murder on July 5, 2011, of poet and song writer Ibrahim Qashoush, known as “the singer of the revolution.” Qashoush’s body was found in a river the day after he had been abducted by Syrian security forces. His throat had been slit. PEN urges the Syrian authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation into Qashoush’s death and to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.

Background Information

According to PEN’s information, Qashoush was kidnapped on July 5, 2011, from his home in Hama city, north of the capital city of Damascus, by the security forces after he had performed anti-government songs at a Friday demonstration in the city. His body was found in the Al-Assi river on July 6, 2011, with his throat cut. Qashoush was known for his political songs that were critical of the Syrian authorities, and which he had performed regularly to protestors throughout the uprising. One of Qashoush's songs, "Leave us, Bashar," directly addresses the president and ridicules his talk of reform. Another song is entitled “Syria is longing for freedom” (see below).

Anti-government protests were sparked in mid-March 2011 and have since spread across the country. Mass arrests have been taking place and security officers have responded to the continuing protests with excessive force, using tear gas and live bullets to disperse demonstrators. Scores of civilians have reportedly been killed and many more wounded.

With the Internet and media already severely curtailed in recent years, the Syrian authorities have imposed even greater restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in reaction to recent events. Foreign reporters and correspondents have been asked to leave the country and access to any independent media is denied.  

PEN is alarmed about the reported mass arrests and disappearances of civilians including journalists, bloggers, writers and activists in the crackdown on peaceful anti-government protests, and continues to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently detained in Syria in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Syria is a signatory.

An excerpt of Ibrahim Qashoush’s poem follows, translated from the Arabic by Ghias Aljundi:

Syria is longing for freedom
Syria is demanding freedom
We will oust Bashar
With our strong will alone

We are Muslims and Christians
Demanding freedom
Greetings to Daraa city
Who started this peaceful uprising

When we demanded freedom
They called us terrorists
When we demanded our rights back
They called us fundamentalists

It is written on our national flag that
Bashar has betrayed the nation
It is written on our flag that
Our aim is bring the regime down
It is written on our flag
That Syrian state-owned media is damned
Death rather than humiliation
Syria is looking for freedom

Write A Letter

  • Condemning the murder of poet and songwriter Ibrahim Qashoush;
  • Urging the Syrian authorities to ensure that a full and impartial investigation is conducted into the killing, and that Qashoush’s killers be brought to justice.
  • Condemning the widespread arrest of journalists and bloggers for reporting on the recent protests, which PEN believes is a clear violation of their right to freedom of expression;
  • Calling on the Syrian authorities to investigate allegations of torture of detainees;
  • Calling for the release of all those currently detained in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Syria is a signatory.

Send Your Letter To

His Excellency President Bashar al-Assad President of the Republic
Presidential Palace
Abu Rummaneh, Al-Rashid Street       
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Fax: + 963 11 332 3410

His Excellency Brigadier Mohamed Shaar
Minister of Interior, Ministry of Interior
Merjeh Circle
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Fax: + 963 11 222 3428
Email: [email protected] 

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Syria in your country if possible.