E/CN.4/1992/52 page 82 It stipulates, inter alia, that 'Any person who committed the offence of apostasy shall be given a respite, the duration of which should be determined by the court. If that person insists on apostasy after that respite, though not newly Muslim, that person shall be punished by death.' It indicates, in addition, 'if that person withdraws his apostasy before execution, then that execution should not be implemented'." Switzerland 67. In a communication sent on 31 October 1991 addressed to the Government of Switzerland, the following information was transmitted by the Special Rapporteur: "According to information received, Mr. Frederic Maillard, commercial director of an advertising firm in Fribourg, aged 25, was sent to Fribourg Central Prison on 3 September 1990 because of his decision to refuse on religious grounds to continue doing military service, having been a convinced Christian since the age of 16. When he was summoned to register for military service for the first time, Mr. Maillard, citing his religious beliefs, submitted a request to the military authorities to do his service in a non-armed unit, a request which was granted. He did his four months' service at a training camp in 1985. The compulsory refresher course scheduled for 1986 was postponed. Mr. Maillard failed to appear for the inspection of weapons and equipment in 1987 and 1988. On 4 April 1988, Mr. Maillard wrote to the military authorities, informing them of his decision to refuse to serve for conscientious reasons and did not report for the refresher course beginning on 18 April 1988. On 28 August 1989 he explained to the military tribunal of Division 1 at Payerne that his decision arose from his profound religious beliefs, which involved condemnation of any use of violence, making further performance of his military obligations impossible. According to the sources, the military tribunal is said to have recognized that Mr. Maillard's refusal to serve was based on sincere religious belief and that he was involved in a serious conflict of conscience. Nevertheless, the court sentenced him to three months' imprisonment to be served as a criminal judgement, to the costs of the case, and to dismissal from the army." Syrian Arab Republic 68. In a communication sent on 8 November 1991 addressed to the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, the following information was transmitted by the Special Rapporteur: "According to the information received, members of the Syrian Jewish community residing in Aleppo, Damascus and Kamishli, suffer discrimination because of their religion. It has been alleged that members of the Jewish community are not allowed to emigrate from Syria and are permitted to travel abroad only for short periods in order to visit relatives or undergo medical treatment. It has also been alleged that the persons who wish to travel are