This on the unjust arrest of fine Syrian journalist Ibrahim Humaydi 2 years ago:

"[Bashshar] Assad: We have never locked up anyone because of his personal opinion.

SPIEGEL: A correspondent for a large Arab newspaper, Al-Hayat, was recently sent to prison for several months.

Assad: That's a different issue. Under Syrian law, a journalist is not allowed to report on military matters. This may be wrong or right, but that's just the way it is."