Syrian intellectuals call to release political prisoners

Pro-democracy activists and intellectuals called the ruling Baath party Wednesday to free political prisoners, including two legislators who were stripped of their parliamentary immunity and sentenced to five years in prison in 2001.

The statement signed by 225 activists and faxed to The Associated Press in Damascus called for the immediate release of lawmakers Riyadh Seif and Mamoun Homsi, who were arrested in a crackdown on so-called political "salons" - gatherings in private homes during which Syrian intellectuals discussed democratic reforms.

The statement appealed for the release of all political prisoners in Syria, more freedoms and the return of all political exiles.