Associated Press
2010-04-21
Arab and Syrian human rights organizations are urging the Syrian government to immediately release a prominent 79-year-old lawyer and activist, citing his deteriorating health condition.

Arab Human Rights Defenders Union, a collection of 30 Syrian and Arab human rights groups, also said in a statement Wednesday that it has launched a wide-scale campaign to defend Haitham al-Maleh's right to have a just and evenhanded trial.

Al-Maleh was arrested on Oct. 14, 2009 on charges of disseminating false news that could weaken the nation's morale. Earlier this month, he went on trial in a military court despite international appeals for his release. The trial was postponed to give him a chance to see his lawyers.

He is known to suffer from diabetes, thyroid problems and high blood pressure.