Arrested on 12 May 2011, Messrs Bashar, Mohamed and Ghassan Al Sahyoni played an important role in the peaceful demonstrations that have taken place in Syria last March, as they were in charge of coordinating protests locally.

All three were arrested at their homes in Banias by agents of the Military Intelligence Services, some of whom were dressed as civilians, the other in uniforms. They were immediately taken to an unknown destination and there has been no news of them since. Their family has not been able to obtain information about them since their arrests as the authorities refuse to provide any information on their well being or whereabouts. Alkarama is therefore concerned for their physical and mental integrity as they are at high risk of torture and ill-treatment during their disappearance.

It is clear that Messrs Bashar, Mohamed and Ghassan Al Sahyoni have been arrested because of their active participation in, and organisation of, peaceful demonstrations. We believe this is an attempt by the authorities to prevent them expressing their opinions.