Syria Today | Trial of prominent lawyer begins

Trial of prominent lawyer begins

A 79-year-old Syrian lawyer went on trial in a military court on charges of “weakening national morale” last month, Reuters reported. The trial comes despite calls by the EU and human rights groups for his release.

Haitham al-Maleh was arrested and charged with “weakening national morale” last October after criticising the ruling Ba’ath Party and the state of emergency which has been in place in Syria since 1963.

Speaking about Maleh’s condition at the trial, his lawyer Khalil Maatouk told Reuters: “He looked obviously ill and tired.”

Maleh refused to enter a plea at the trial, stating he had not been allowed to meet in private with his lawyers. In response, the judge ordered a letter be sent by the court to Adra prison where he is being held to allow him to meet with his lawyers without the presence of security forces, Maatouk told Reuters. An unnamed human rights lawyer added that the judge also allowed Maleh to see his wife after the court session.

The US, EU and several human rights groups have called for Maleh’s release. Speaking at a conference in Damascus last month, President of the International Lawyers Union Corrado de Martini said Maleh’s detainment showed a disregard for his pursuit of justice and his ailing health, Reuters reported. He also criticised the arrest of Mohannad al-Hassani, another lawyer facing similar charges to Maleh.

Syrian officials told Reuters that Maleh is being treated fairly and in accordance with the country’s constitution. They say the West, which supports Israel, has no right to criticise Syria’s human rights record, adding that it ignores the country’s efforts to crack down on militant Islamists who pose an international terrorism threat.