A cross-border civil society petition demanding Syrian respect for Lebanese sovereignty led to imprisonment of several Syrian signatories.
Key Facts
- Signatories
- Between 274 and 500 Lebanese and Syrian activists
- Publication date
- May 12, 2006
- Syrians jailed for signing
- 7 opposition figures
- Michel Kilo imprisonment
- 3 years in prison
- Anwar al-Bunni sentence
- 5 years in prison
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions over Syrian influence in Lebanon, including allegations of political killings and the absence of formal diplomatic relations or demarcated borders between the two countries, prompted Lebanese and Syrian civil society figures to organize a joint protest statement.
On May 12, 2006, between 274 and 500 Lebanese and Syrian activists and intellectuals signed the Beirut–Damascus Declaration, calling on Syria to recognize Lebanese sovereignty, demarcate a common border, establish diplomatic relations, and cease political killings in Lebanon.
Many Syrian signatories were fired from their jobs and subjected to persecution by Syrian authorities. At least seven opposition figures were jailed; Michel Kilo served three years in prison, while human rights lawyer Anwar al-Bunni was sentenced to five years and remained incarcerated.