From: SATO Kazuyoshi, President of the Movement for Democratic Socialism (MDS), Japan

To: Mr. Jalal Talabani, President, Republic of Iraq

c/o: Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) office in France

Date: May 11, 2005

Re: Appeal for Immediate Release of Mr. Rebwar Arif

Your Excellency,

We have learnt that Mr. Rebwar Arif, Secretary General of the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees, has been held incommunicado since May 5. We fear that he may be at risk of torture or ill-treatment as he is believed to be detained at the headquarters of the Asayish (security forces) in Sulaimaniya.

Mr. Rebwar Arif was reportedly arrested by members of the Asayish on that day. The previous day he had given a speech during a students' demonstration in the city.

We strongly condemn the arrest of Mr. Rebwar Arif, seek clarification of the reasons for it and assurances that he is being treated humanely and not being subjected to torture or other ill-treatment, urge that he be given access to lawyers, relatives, and any medical assistance if necessary, and call for him to be released immediately and unconditionally. Any violation of freedom of political activities should be stopped.

We also declare our determination to support the Iraq Freedom Congress (IFC) and to let all the occupying forces including Japanese troops withdraw from Iraq.

Sincerely Yours,

佐藤和義

SATO Kazuyoshi

President of the Movement for Democratic Socialism (MDS)

1-6-21 Gamo, Joto-ku, Osaka 536-0016, Japan

TEL: +81-6-6934-8512  FAX: +81-6-6934-8112

Email: info@mdsweb.jp