WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush called on Syria Friday to immediately release dozens of opposition activists reportedly arrested this week amid events marking International Human Rights Day.
"All those detained should be released immediately," Bush said in a statement days after human rights groups said Syria issued summonses and arrested dozens of opposition activists on Sunday and Monday.
The crackdown targeted around 30 people who signed the 2005 Damascus Declaration calling for "radical change" in Syria and took part in a 163-person protest held on December 1, the groups said.
Security officials visited the home of writer and protester Akram Bunni, who was elected as secretary of the National Declaration of Damascus Council on December 1, the rights groups and a member of his family added.
In April, his brother, human rights lawyer Anwar Bunni, was jailed for five years after signing the declaration on relations between Lebanon and Syria, its former powerbroker.
The declaration called for Syrians to work in a peaceful manner for radical change and saying the creation of a "national democratic regime" was the way to achieve this change.
Bush applauded the creation of the council, saying "the brave men and women who formed this council reflect the desires of the majority of Syrian people to live in freedom, democracy, and peace, both at home and alongside their neighbors in the region."
"The Syrian regime continues to deny its citizens fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to elect a representative government responsive to their needs," he said.
"The formation of the National Council is an encouraging sign to all people who support freedom and democracy. We support the National Council's principles of non-violent struggle and open membership to all the people of Syria who believe the time has come for change," said Bush.
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