Human Rights Watch calls for release of Syrian political activist after completing jail term

Rights group calls for release of Syrian activist

DAMASCUS, Syria — An international human rights group has urged Syrian authorities to drop any new charges against a political activist who has completed his prison sentence.

Human Rights Watch said Ali Abdullah of the Damascus Declaration opposition group finished a 30-month sentence on Wednesday but instead of being released, prison authorities sent him to the intelligence headquarters.

The rights group said Abdullah was then told he must face a new trial on charges of “broadcasting false or exaggerated news that could affect the morale of the country.”

Abdullah was convicted 2007 of weakening national sentiment and “spreading false news that could affect the morale of the country.