Foreign Office Minister welcomes release of Syrian Lawyer
Former President of the Human Rights Association for Syria Haitham al-Maleh was released by the Syrian authorities on 8 March.
Speaking about the release Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt said:
“I welcome the release of Haitham al-Maleh a prominent Syrian lawyer and former President of the Human Rights Association for Syria, under the terms of a wider amnesty. I sincerely hope that Haitham Al-Maleh will be allowed to live without hindrance to his rights, including the right to travel freely outside Syria and return.
“Freedom of expression is fundamental to building democracy by allowing citizens to challenge their government and make informed decisions. Governments need to respond to these legitimate aspirations with reform, not repression, if they are to enhance their long-term stability and prosperity.”