Twenty-one human rights organisations have signed the following press release as a result of deep concerns for the deteriorating health of Syrian lawyer, Mr. Haitham Al-Maleh, currently held against his will at Damascus Central Prison (Adra). He is currently suffering from severe health problems, associated with diabetes and hyperactivity of the thyroid, as well as the flu, all of which pose a serious threat to his life at the age of 79. Since his arrest on 14 October 2009, he has been in detention awaiting trial after Damascus' military magistrate, on 3 November 2009, accused him of "publishing false news, affecting the national morale", under the provisions of Article 286 of the Syrian Penal Code, which considers it an offense to criticize public administration.