Syrian human-rights activist sentenced to 12 years (Roundup)

May 10, 2007, 22:35 GMT

Damascus - Syrian human-rights activist Kamal Labwani was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in prison on charges of 'spreading false information' and conspiring against his native country.

Labwani was arrested in November 2005 at Damascus airport on his arrival from the United States, where he had allegedly met with members of the Syrian opposition. He was sentenced by the Second Criminal Court in Damascus in the presence of representatives from European embassies in Syria.

US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack condemned the Syrian government for the 'harsh and unjust sentencing' of Labwani and called for the release of all political prisoners in Syria.

'This action against Mr Labwani reflects the Syrian regime's contempt for human rights and a legal system devoid of legitimate legal standards,' McCormack said.

In 2001, Labwani, 49, a physician, was arrested in a government clampdown on so-called political 'salons' - political gatherings held in private homes during which Syrian intellectuals discussed democratic reforms. He was sentenced to three years in prison on charges that include inciting rebellion, spreading false information and weakening national unity.

He was released in September 2004 and two months later launched a campaign for the release of political prisoners in Syria.

Upon succeeding his father in 2000, Syrian President Bashar Assad had initially released hundreds of political prisoners, but authorities have increasingly clamped down on pro-democracy activists in recent years.