Ahmad Suwaidani, a prisoner of conscience, aged around 65, is reported to have recently suffered a stroke, causing right-sided paralysis affecting his face, hand and leg. He is reported to have been admitted to Teshmin Hospital in Damascus on 4 February 1994. A former diplomat and member of the Ba’ath Pary Regional Command, he has been held without charge or trial since his arrest in 1969. There is also concern for seven other elderly prisoners, similarly held without charge or trial for over 20 years. All are said to be in poor health, in particular Muhammad ‘Id ‘Ashawi, who is reportedly suffering from acute anaemia, rheumatism and a gastric ulcer. The others are Hadithe Murade, Dafi Jam’ani, ‘Abd al-Hamid Miqdad, ‘Adel Na’issa, Fawzi Rida and Mustafa Rustum.
