Message from French Psychoanlayst Laurent Vaguerese, Founder and President of Oedipe

31st October 2011

To all signatories of the petition demanding the release of Rafah Nached

Dear signatory,

The situation in Syria continues to evolve and the regime gradually loses significant support. China, which had been part of the states that have prevented a vote on a UN motion condemning Syria for its violation of human rights, has now denounced the abuses of the Syrian regime.

The European Parliament's vote is also an important development. We invite those who have received a response from their MEP to write a letter of thanks for their vote on this motion, requesting also to be kept informed about any actions taken following the vote and the possible reactions of the Syrian authorities.

Following the meeting of the Support Committee, we ourselves will send a letter to that effect to the leaders of French and European parliamentary groups.

The news we have received about Rafah Nached through Houriya Abdelouahed, who is in frequent contact with her family, is particularly reassuring with regard to her health and morale.

Health wise her blood pressure is now stable, but her cholesterol level continues to be high.
With regard to her morale, Rafah Nached continues her fight for psychoanalysis. She has been working with women prisoners and their children and has asked her husband to bring toys to enable her to undertake this work with children imprisoned with their mothers.

Faisal (Rafah’s husband) thanks all those who have signed the petition and continue to mobilize. On the one hand, Rafah is frowned upon (by the Siryan regime); on the other, this mobilization of friends and colleagues prevented the latter from condemning her to silence and disappearance.

Each week, Faisal said, it is hoped that she will be released. If this does not happen next week she will celebrate her birthday in prison. We are making available an email address where you can write to her, especially on the occasion of her birthday: ecrireoedipe[at]gmail.com.

Thank you all for continuing to pay attention to Rafah Nached’s situation and for supporting our efforts to obtain her release.

Regards to you all,

Laurent Vaguerèse