President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneckal-Assad
One of the last of the old-fashioned hereditary iron-fisted fascist dictators. Before going into the family business Pencilneck was an eye doctor...
's critics banned three prominent opposition figures from leaving the country Sunday.
Michel Kilo, Loay Hussein and Fayez Sara were on their way to neighboring Leb to take part in a televised panel discussion when they were told by Syrian immigration authorities at the border that they were prohibited from leaving out of concern for their safety in Leb.
Hussein denounced what he called an attempt to keep them from speaking on television. The debate was to be aired by the U.S.-funded Al-Hurra television.
"This decision negates all talk about transparency and reforms," said Sara. "It is unjustified and illegal," he added.