Syrian parliamentarian denies to be tortured

Former member at the Syrian parliament has denied his being exposed to torture while in prison over an accusation of violating the constitution for promoting more political freedom.

The Syrian parliamentarian Mamoun al-Homsi who was admitted to hospital earlier this month after he had a heart attack said "I was not taken to hospital because I was tortured in prison and I am treated in a good way." In a message bearing his signature handed over to authorities, al-Homsi said "I wanted to explain all what happened with me because I carry my message sincerely and honestly." The Human Rights Society in Syria asked Damascus to release al- Homsi after his illness, noting that it holds the authorities responsible for any deterioration in his health that endangers his life.

The Syrian opposition member Mamoun al-Homsi was sentenced for five years imprisonment in March this year after he was deprived from his parliamentary immunity in 2002 on charge of violating the constitution.