Prominent Palestinian writer Salameh Kaileh on May 16 said the Syrian authorities deported him this week to Jordan after three weeks of detention and torture over his anti-regime writings. “Syrian intelligence raided my house and arrested me on April 23. I was suddenly deported to Jordan on Monday after a three-week detention and torture,” Kaileh reportedly said. “They gave me no reason for their decision, but I know it was because I have written articles against the regime and about the revolt” that broke out 15 months ago against the regime of President Bashar Assad.
Kaileh, 57, who holds a Jordanian passport, said he was hospitalised in Amman for bruises sustained during his detention. “I was severely beaten on a daily basis. I passed out several times but this did not stop them from beating me more and more. I was prevented from using the toilet,” he said.