Heroes for a Better World

Aktham Naisse
(c. 1951-)

Syrian Human Rights Activist
2005 Martin Ennals Human Rights Award Winner

birthdate: ?
birthplace:
Syria

Aktham Naisse is a Syrian lawyer who has been working for human rights and democracy in Syria for nearly 30 years. In 1989 he helped to create the Committee for the Defence of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (CDF) and serves as the organization's president. He also helped to start the Syrian publication “Sawt al-Dimokratiyyah” (The Voice of Democracy) and has written many articles for this publication as well as in international forums. In late 1991 he was arrested and tortured and in 1992 he was sentenced to 9 years in prison for his peaceful activities calling for human rights reform in his nation. Thanks to international pressure and because of severe health problems, Aktham Naisse was released in 1998. After his release, he continued to work with CDF for human rights in Syria, despite continual threats, harassment and detentions. In 2004 he helped organize a peaceful sit-in demonstration for democratic reforms and in support of political prisoners. This was the first such protest in Syria for over 40 years. 700 people, including Aktham Naisse were arrested. Although released the next day, he was arrested again the following month. Already in poor health, he suffered a stroke while in detention, and faced the possibility of 15 years in prison. International pressure mounted while he awaited trial, and finally Aktham Naisse was acquitted in July 2005. In October 2005 Aktham Naisse received the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders for his 30 years of dedication to working to protect human rights.


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