The United States has called for the release of Syrian dissident Haitham Maleh. Washington thus joins the United Kingdom, France and international human rights organisations who have previously appealed for Mr Maleh’s release.

The 78-year-old lawyer and human rights activist was arrested 10 days ago, shortly after he had appeared in a television programme in which he expressed criticism of Syrian oppression and corruption.

Mr Maleh has already spent seven years in jail as a political prisoner. Three years ago he received a Dutch human rights award, the Beggars’ Medal, for his “courageous commitment to human rights”.