Interview with...

For security reasons, the interviewed person wished to remain anonymous.

In a few sentences, how would you describe the situation of freedom of association in Syria?
There is no freedom of association in Syria. This is a country where the law makes provision for the death sentence if an association receives funds to support political opposition, in which case the administration judges the extent and context of the treason.
But it is important to add that until now, this law has never been applied except for members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

What is the main positive point in the current situation?
There are a dozen Human Right associations which are not registered, but which continue to operate between a rock and a hard place. The courage and will of these men and women is the most positive point.
Certain workers have recently been approached by international Human Rights organizations. This growing interest gives supporters renewed hope, for they feel somewhat abandoned by the outside world.

The main negative point?
Human Rights supporters never know when the police will attack, or when their lives will be endangered. We are always afraid of them taking unnecessary risks.

What are the main obstacles to the normal use of the freedom of association in Syria?
The main obstacle is the emergency state imposed by the absolutist administration, which you could describe as medieval.

What is your personal opinion about the future of freedom of association in Syria?
As long as there is no change in political regime, we can not be seriously optimistic.

Interview carried out in November 2007