Women Journalists Without Chains expresses its profound concern regarding reports that Syrian authorities may extradite Emirati activist and dissident Jassim al-Shamsi to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Coming on the heels of the recent extradition of Issam al-Buwaydani, this development raises urgent questions regarding the continued use of security-based bargaining in cases involving political refugees and activists.

As the Syrian people work to turn the page on decades of authoritarian rule, Women Journalists Without Chains emphasizes that the foundation of a "New Syria" must rest upon an absolute commitment to human rights and a definitive break from the practices of the former regime.

The Principle of Non-Refoulement

Any move by the current administration to extradite a political activist facing the risk of torture or persecution would constitute a severe setback for democratic transition. Such an act would be a blatant violation of the principle of non-refoulement—a binding international legal obligation under Article 3 of the Convention against Torture. This principle strictly prohibits the return of any individual to a jurisdiction where their life or freedom is endangered. Furthermore, such an extradition violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects individuals from arbitrary arrest and politically motivated trials.

The UAE maintains a documented record of pursuing activists and bloggers who criticize the state from abroad. By engaging in "dissident bargaining," the current Syrian authorities risk damaging the international reputation of the nascent state and placing it in direct conflict with its obligations to the global community.

Demands for Immediate Action

Women Journalists Without Chains calls for the following:

·       To the Syrian Government: Immediately halt all extradition proceedings against Jassim al-Shamsi. We urge the government to guarantee his protection as a resident or asylum seeker, upholding the standards of justice that fueled the Syrian revolution.

·       To the Ministry of Justice: Conduct a comprehensive review of all security agreements inherited from the previous regime to ensure they are compatible with the new constitution and international human rights standards.

·       To the International Community: Provide the necessary support to strengthen Syria’s new human rights institutions while maintaining rigorous oversight of the government's commitment to protecting political opponents and guests.

Women Journalists Without Chains emphasizes that the prestige and legitimacy of the new Syrian state will be built on its respect for human dignity and the protection of the oppressed—not on security deals made at the expense of activists' lives and freedoms.