The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, is deeply concerned about the Syrian government’s decision to file defamation charges against Mazen Darwich, prominent Syrian journalist and director of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM).

According to information before IPI, on 17 March, a military court convened in Damascus to try Darwich for “libelling and defaming the state’s general administration” under article 378 of the General Penal Code. The session was adjourned until 15 April, when the court will hear statements from witnesses.

The charge was brought forward by the state prosecution based on a recommendation by a local police station, in response to a feature report in which Darwich criticised the Syrian authorities’ delayed intervention in a January riot in a Damascus suburb. Darwich claimed that State authorities intervened too late to stop the riot, which resulted in the death of one civilian. While preparing the report, Darwich was approached by Syrian police officers, who tried to force him to change parts of the report.

Syria has yet to lift the “national state of emergency” imposed in 1963, which authorizes the State to try civilians outside of civil courts. Darwich is being tried in front of a military tribunal because the charges were raised against him upon the recommendations of A’dra’s police.

Syrian authorities have repeatedly attempted to silence Darwich for his outspoken publications and his work on behalf of freedom of expression in Syria. He was previously denied the right to travel in May and December 2007.

“IPI would like to remind the Syrian government that Article 38 of the Syrian Constitution guarantees the right of all citizens to freely express their views,” commented IPI Director David Dadge. He added, “targeting journalists for their critical reporting is inconsistent with that principle, and constitutes a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression. IPI therefore calls on Syrian authorities to immediately halt the use of judicial proceedings to harass journalists.”