260 Jordanian detainees in Syrian prisons

The head of the Arab Organisation for Human Rights in Jordan has disclosed the presence of 260 Jordanian detainees in Syrian prisons, including five women. Lawyer Karim Sharida stated in a press conference the Syrian government and the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had full responsibility to follow up on the cases of the detained Jordanians. Sharida said that all detainees were facing political charges. The organisation and rights observers have cited reports of torture during interrogations by the political investigation branch "Fayhaa” and section 251, also called Palestine’s branch, which apparently specialise in investigating Jordanians. During the press conference, the lawyer presented pictures and certificates showing that the detention and its conditions violated human rights standards. The families of the detainees demanded they be allowed to contact their relatives and to facilitate the work of the Red Cross so they could be reassured. The Syrian authorities have admitted the presence of the detainees, with Syrian television even broadcasting their photos on August 8. Sharida said that most detained Jordanians were arrested while studying or working in Syria.