“A security force came and sealed the premises with red tape a few days ago. They have taken a decision not to tolerate anything,” human rights lawyer Anwar al-Bunni told Reuters.

There was no immediate official comment from Syrian authorities.

European diplomats, including EU ambassador Frank Hesske, attended the opening of the centre on Feb. 21, part of an effort to train lawyers and activists across the region in the human rights field.

Syria is under international pressure for its alleged role in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri a year ago. The government, however, has not heeded calls to free an estimated 1,500 political prisoners and open the system.

Opposition politicians say ending the 43-year Baath Party monopoly on power and encouraging multi-party democracy would be the best way to counter US-led moves to isolate Syria.

Instead the government has been clamping down on opposition figures and independent groups, including politically active university students, they said.