VIII. Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the activists and individuals who have shared their painful experience of detention and trial by the Supreme State Security Court ("SSSC").

The report would not have been possible without the assistance of the various Syrian activists, lawyers and members of human rights groups who agreed to provide us with information and insight on the SSSC. Their painstaking work of reporting on each trial session of the SSSC in very difficult circumstances made our research much easier. Their courage to continue promoting human rights despite the recent crackdown on activists in Syria is an inspiration.

To protect these activists from any harassment or retaliation, their names have been withheld.

A number of Western diplomats agreed to share their experiences of monitoring the SSSC. We are truly grateful for their assistance and their frank assessment of the SSSC and their role.

The report was written by one of our researchers. Research assistance was provided by an intern and a consultant who preferred not to be named. It was edited by Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of the Middle East and North Africa division; Clive Baldwin, senior legal advisor legal and policy director; and Iain Levine, program director. Human Rights Watch associate Brent Giannotta assisted with production. Grace Choi, publications director, provided production coordination.