Tomorrow, 21 August 2013, marks the resumption of the trial of Mazen Darwish, Hussein Ghrer, Hani Al Zheitani and two of their colleagues from the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) in front of the Syrian Anti-Terrorism Court. The five men are accused of "promoting terrorist acts". If pronounced guilty, the men may be sentenced to three to fifteen years of imprisonment and hard labour.

Hussam Youssef, a 21 year-old Syrian high school student from Harasta was arrested on 24 September 2012 by General Intelligence agents in Al Muhajireen District, Damascus. Since then, his family has not been able to get official information regarding his fate and whereabouts. Alkarama is concerned about his physical and mental integrity as he is at high risk of torture and ill-treatment during his enforced disappearance.

Muhammad Anbari was arrested by Air Force Intelligence agents in Al Oqaiba District, Damascus, on 22 March 2012. The following day, security forces brought him to his home and searched the whole house. This was the last time that Mr Anbari's family saw him. Given his current disappearance, Alkarama fears for his life, as he is at high risk of severe torture, in view of the reports of torture that continue find their way out of the Syrian detention centres. We call on the Syrian authorities to urgently undertake all necessary steps to place Mr Anbari under the protection of the law or to release him immediately.