Syrian blogger Karim Arbaji was sentenced on September 13 to three years in prison for “publishing mendacious information liable to weaken the nation’s morale” under article 296 of Syria’s criminal code.  Arbaji, who was arrested on July 6, 2007, had been held without trial for two years.

Before his arrest, Arbaji was responsible for running the online forum Akhawia, which allowed discussion on a wide variety of topics (the site is still maintained).  The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) has called for the release of Karim Arbaji, stating the following:

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information , ANHRI, denounced the court order issued by the Syrian state security supreme court sentencing the young blogger Kareem Arbaji to 3 years of prison for spreading false news that weaken the nation’s spirit according to the article # 286 of the Syrian penal code.

Kareem already spent two years in prison, where he was arrested by military intelligence in June 2007 as he was an administrator of the net forum “Akhawya” (Brotherhood). Karim was detained for two years and three months till the court order was issued yesterday.

Kareem Arbaji was detained before being tried, he received a cruel and disproportionate sentence even if he was convicted. He was tortured during investigations and ill treated for more than two years in prison.

ANHRI requested the Syrian government to immediately release Kareem Arbaji and all prisoners of conscience in Syrian dungeons, to abolish arbitrary detention policy and stop the security interference in judiciary affairs.

ANHRI asserts that the charge against Arbaji is a false one , only used as a pretext to inhibit freedom of expression and repress activists.

ANHRI also urges the Syrian government to eliminate the state security court as it is a stain to the Syrian justice.

Reporters Without Borders has also called for Arbaji’s release.