The European Union (EU) has filed an official complaint with Syria, objecting to the arrests of 10 political activists, according to the Beirut-based Daily Star.
The message asked for the activists' immediate release and was conveyed to Foreign Minister Farouq Al Sharaa via diplomatic channels in Brussels.
The letter asked Syria to abide by the Barcelona Declaration, which it ratified in 1995, and urged it to “respect human rights, freedom of speech and dialogue.”
The EU added that the protest should not be misinterpreted or considered as interference in Syria’s domestic affairs. Rather, it should be seen as “advice” to help both Syria’s partnership deal with the EU and an upcoming trade association agreement.
However, sources at the Syrian Foreign Ministry expressed anger at the EU’s "meddling" in a “a purely domestic affair.”
They were quoted as telling the London-based Al Hayat daily that the activists were arrested because “they violated the Constitution, and crossed all red lines in political conduct.”
The protest comes after Syrian activists were arrested for speaking out against 38 years of one-party rule. The 10 men were brought to court on charges of “insulting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.” – Albawaba.com
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