Some 35 Syrian intellectuals voice solidarity with al-Homsi

Some 35 Syrian intellectuals on Monday signed a joint statement in which they denounced " the detention" of the independent member of parliament for the city of Damascus Muhammad Mamoun al-Homsi.

The statement considered that the demands raised by al-Homsi are in its general framework in line with the calls for reforms needed in Syria. A framework which would end " a phase and open the door of a new phase based on national reconciliation that surpasses hatred and consequences of the past phase and open the door for a better future for Syria and the Syrians."

The signatories for the statement including intellectuals like Antoine Maqdisi, Shbli al-Shami, Michael Kilo called for the released of the " detained member of parliament and to try those who violated the law of the country and the constitution regardless to their posts and positions as well as to put an end to the rule of the forces of corruption and repression which stand against reforms and the rule of the law."

They also called for forming " a judicial committee to investigate the implications of arresting al-Homsi and of what sad his escape from paying taxes due for the state budget."