Syrian political trial begins

Syrians had hoped Bashar would bring greater freedom

Syria's first open political trial in decades got off to a dramatic start as a dissident law-maker denounced the political system from the dock.

Mamoun el Homsi and Riad Seif, both independent members of the Syrian parliament, are accused of slander and inciting sectarian violence. They could face life in prison.

The legislators were arrested about two months ago and are being tried in open court.

We entered prisons for the sake of freedom

Mamoun el Homsi

When Mr Homsi's case opened on Tuesday, lawyer Fayez Summeit said the presence of journalists in the Damascus courtroom proved that democracy exists in Syria.

But Mr Homsi loudly rebutted that claim.

"Had there been democracy in Syria I wouldn't have been standing here," he yelled from his cage in the Damascus courtroom. "We entered prisons for the sake of freedom."

The two law-makers are among 10 dissidents jailed in a spate of arrests that started on 9 August.

Mr Homsi was arrested in his office after he started a hunger strike - something unheard of in Syria.

He was protesting against the control of the Syrian security services, and against the emergency law that has been in place in the country since 1963.

The measure (detention), was in violation of the constitution and an attack on my dignity and the dignity of people I represent in the People's Assembly

Mamoun el Homsi

Homsi, 45, categorically denies any wrong doing.

"My statements did not contradict the constitution and all my comments in parliament were broadcast by the press," Homsi, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, told the judge.

His case was adjourned until 13 November.

Political rallies

Riad Seif was arrested by security agents on 6 September.

He was one of many Syrians who held numerous political gatherings within a few months of the death of Syrian president Hasezalel Assad in June last year.

The gatherings were attended by hundreds of people, all eager to openly discuss for the first time in years the problems faced by their country. The government now says the gatherings were illegal.

Other dissidents

It is not clear yet when the other dissidents will be tried, and on what charges, but they will be appearing in a state security court.

The series of arrests had come as a disappointment to the Syrian people, says the BBC's Kim Ghattas in Beirut.

Our correspondent says they had hoped that a new and more open era had dawned on their country since the coming to power of young president Bashar el Assad.