Suleiman Khalil, 51, the former mayor of the Christian town of Sadad, has been imprisoned by Syria’s new rulers since February.
Media Release
ZURICH – Six members of the Swiss parliament have written to Syria’s ambassador to Switzerland, Haydar Ali Ahmad, asking him to encourage his government to release Suleiman Khalil, the former mayor of the Christian town of Sadad.
Khalil, 51, has been imprisoned since February. He was arrested at his family home in Sadad, and has been held in prison in Homs since then, without charges, and without being able to speak with a lawyer or contact his family.
“We respectfully encourage the competent authorities to consider his release or, at the very least, to ensure that his rights are safeguarded in accordance with international standards,” the MPs wrote.
“At this important moment for Syria, respect for due process and transparent legal procedures are essential to strengthening public confidence and reinforcing the credibility of state institutions.”
Hero of fight against ISIS imprisoned
Khalil is widely known and beloved in the region for his role in organizing Sadad’s defense against ISIS in 2015 – likely averting a massacre of this ancient town’s Christian population. His arrest has been seen by many as punishment from Syria’s new government, whose leadership is drawn from jihadist groups which split off from ISIS in 2013.
Among the Swiss MPs who signed the letter are Marc Jost, Andreas Gafner, and Martin Haab. All three are members of the Swiss National Council’s network for religious freedom.
Marc Jost commented, “Releasing Suleiman Khalil would do much to bolster international confidence in the new Syrian government’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law. We hope that the Syrian government will be receptive to our appeal and return Suleiman to his family.”
Christianity in Syria threatened
Andreas Gafner connected Khalil’s plight to the wider challenges facing Christians in Syria. “Christians have lived in Syria for nearly 2,000 years. As members are parliament, we do not want to stand idly by while discrimination, terrorist attacks, and miscarriages of justice – like the nearly nine-month imprisonment of Suleiman Khalil – drive Syrian Christians out of their homeland.”
Martin Haab agreed. “While much of the world was turning a blind eye to the threat that ISIS posed to Christians and religious minorities in Syria, Suleiman Khalil did his part to protect his people from ISIS. He is a hero, and he must be set free immediately.”
Christian Solidarity International has launched a campaign to free Suleiman Khalil. At CSI’s website, supporters can send a message directly to Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, urging his government to release Suleiman immediately.
About CSI
Christian Solidarity International is an international human rights group campaigning for religious liberty and human dignity.
Contact: Joel Veldkamp | [email protected]
