Syria: Repressive Decree No. 54/2011 puts ban on
protests, 27 arrested

19 May 2011

On 2 May 2011, 27 protestors were arrested in Daraa and
brought before the General Prosecutor. They are accused of "inciting to demonstrate
and repeat slogans which undermine the reputation of the State".

They were arrested under Decree
No. 54/2011, the Syrian law which bans peaceful demonstrations in complete
contravention with international law. Under the decree, only "properly
licenced" political parties and popular organisations can hold
demonstrations, thus depriving a large segment of citizens who are not affiliated
with any party of the right to demonstrate, which is contrary to article 25 of
the Constitution.

The decree also imposes many procedural restrictions for
obtaining an approval to organise peaceful demonstrations. For instance, those
who wish to organise a demonstration must apply to the Ministry of Interior at
least five days before the scheduled date, inform of the ministry of its
objectives, causes and even the slogans that will used by the demonstrators.
The Ministry of Interior can stop the demonstration "if it is inconsistent
with the interests of the State or endangers citizens and their property".
The organisers must also provide a notarized commitment stating that they are
responsible for all damages that may affect both private and public properties as
a result of the protest.

The right to freedom of expression and to participate in
peaceful demonstration is therefore impeded by this Decree, which serves as a
means to justify repressive measures against demonstrators, including violence,
arrests, even imprisonment.

From 15 March, there has been a wave of peaceful popular
protests in Syria calling for democratic reforms; this has led to an escalation
in violence, hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Despite the abolition
of the emergency law and the State Security Court, arbitrary arrests continue
to be committed on the basis of this Decree No. 54/2011.