Newspaper Warns Against Foreign Connections

Local groups should not use human rights slogans as a cover to make connections with foreign parties against Syria’s interests, wrote Samira al-Masalma in an August 22 editorial in the state-run daily Tishreen.



Universal freedoms and human rights have always been integral parts of the principles of the ruling Baath party and of the Syrian constitution, and were rooted in the country’s popular culture, she wrote.



Any human rights activities that seek a financial contribution from outside Syria’s borders or violate national values are considered a “legal and moral crime”, she said.



She argued that individuals could not pretend to be advocates of human rights and at the same time have connections with forces outside Syria that are working against the security of the nation.



Human rights activities are kept under tight control by Syrian authorities and many activists are in jail for attempting to promote democracy. Prominent civil rights advocate Mohannad al-Hassani was arrested recently on charges of “weakening national sentiment” and “membership of a secret organisation”.