Assad security forces have released Syrian artist Youssef Abdelke after five weeks of detention.
Abdelke's wife Hala Abdallah, a prominent filmmaker herself, confirmed the release of her husband on her Facebook page, thanking everyone who stood in solidarity with the internationally renowned artist.
Abdallah, sadly, commented on a photo of Abdelke appearing pale and wan, circulated after his release, saying: "It's not five years of imprisonment… its only five weeks," hinting at the level of brutality practiced by security forces in their torture chambers.
Abdelke's works are displayed in museums around the world. He was arrested at a security checkpoint in the western port city of Tartous, along with two fellow members of the Communist Labor Party.
Abdelke, born in 1951, is also a member of the internal opposition National Coordination Body for Democratic Change (NCB).
He has been jailed in the past by the Syrian authorities.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
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