The United States has condemned the jailing of a former member of Syria's parliament and has demanded his immediate release.
Tom Casey, a U.S. State Department spokesman, expressed concern Tuesday about Riad Seif, who was arrested Monday as part of a crackdown against opposition activists.
In August, the State Department urged Syria to allow Seif to travel outside the country to receive urgent medical treatment. A spokesman said Syria denies freedom of movement to hundreds of its citizens who peacefully question the political system under which they live.
President Bush issued a statement in December calling on Syria to release hundreds of opposition activists jailed for their political beliefs.
Since December, at least 10 opposition activists have been detained by Syrian authorities.