Syria – Arrest of filmmaker Mohamed Malas
Syria – Report by the UN Commission of Inquiry
Vietnam – Sentencing of Truong Duy Nhat (March 4, 2014)
Syria – Arrest of filmmaker Mohamed Malas
France condemns the Syrian regime’s arrest of internationally renowned filmmaker Mohamed Malas, as he was preparing to travel to Geneva to participate in the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights.
We call for his immediate release.
This arrest, which follows thousands of other arrests, is a further illustration of the regime’s disregard for human rights, as well as for the freedom of expression and artistic creation.
Syria – Report by the UN Commission of Inquiry
The International Commission of Inquiry on human rights violations in Syria has just published its report on the period from July 15, 2013, to January 20, 2014, a period marked by an intensification of the conflict.
This report, which is based on more than 550 testimonies, notably denounces the regime’s strategy of besieging towns and use of starvation as a method of warfare, as well as the prolonged aerial bombing campaigns – that are both disproportionate and indiscriminate – against populated areas. Following resolution 2139 which condemns these practices, this report sets out the despicable methods used by the regime that are contrary to international humanitarian law and human rights and which France has always denounced.
France denounces the war crimes and the crimes against humanity committed in Syria, and supports the commission of inquiry’s demand that the matter be referred to the International Criminal Court. Combating the sense of impunity that is spreading in Syria is critical.
To that end, France will support, at the Human Rights Council, the renewal of the mandate of this commission, whose work is essential in order to document these crimes in an independent manner.
Vietnam – Sentencing of Truong Duy Nhat (March 4, 2014)
France deplores the sentencing on March 4 of Vietnamese blogger Truong Duy Nhat to two years in prison.
We reaffirm our attachment to the freedom of expression and opinion, including on the Internet, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
These rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Vietnam, a member of the Human Rights Council, is party.
France calls on the Vietnamese authorities to ensure compliance with it.