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He is accused of "publishing mendacious reports liable to weaken the nation's spirit" and is being tried at the Damascus criminal court where his next hearing is on March 7, the organisation said in a statement.
The observatory demands the Syrian government "immediately release" Sheikho and all political prisoners while also calling on the authorities to "stop the arbitrary detention of political dissidents and civil society activists."
The organisation also demands a "vote on a modern law governing the work of political parties and civil societies in Syria which would guarantee the integrity and the unity of the country."
Syria's media law -- which was approved by the government in November -- punishes bloggers with heavy fines and jail sentences if they are convicted of defamation.
Syria is ranked 173rd out 178 countries in the 2010 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index, falling eight places from its ranking in the 2009 index after it stepped up internet censorship.
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The observatory demands the Syrian government "immediately release" Sheikho and all political prisoners while also calling on the authorities to "stop the arbitrary detention of political dissidents and civil society activists."
The organisation also demands a "vote on a modern law governing the work of political parties and civil societies in Syria which would guarantee the integrity and the unity of the country."
Syria's media law -- which was approved by the government in November -- punishes bloggers with heavy fines and jail sentences if they are convicted of defamation.
Syria is ranked 173rd out 178 countries in the 2010 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index, falling eight places from its ranking in the 2009 index after it stepped up internet censorship.
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