Syria: Briefing to the Committee against Torture

This briefing, covering the period from 2004 to date, is submitted to the Committee against Torture in connection with its consideration of Syria’s first periodic report on its implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It details Amnesty International’s concern about a persistent pattern of torture and other ill-treatment of political detainees while held for interrogation by Syria’s security and intelligence agencies; unfair trials; beatings and other ill-treatment of inmates by prison guards; and the failure of the authorities to ensure that allegations of torture and other human rights violations are independently investigated and that those responsible for abuses are brought to justice. This briefing describes laws and practices in Syria which contravene Syria’s obligations under the Convention.