Successive Car Bombs in Russia Kills Eight and Wounds Several Others

By Alexandra Sandacz
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

MOSCOW, Russia – On Monday, two car bombs, which occurred in Russia’s North Caucasus region, killed eight people and left 20 injured. Officials believe the incident was aimed towards law enforcement officers because the explosion occurred outside a local marshal’s building.

Two successive car bombs kill eight and leaves 20 wounded. (Photo Courtesy of CNN).

Although security officials found one bomb and were in the process of defusing the first car explosive, another bomb in a separate vehicle was detonated soon thereafter.

A spokesman for Daghestan’s Interior Ministry, Vyacheslav Gasanov, stated that no one was hurt after the first explosion occurred outside the headquarters of the court’s bailiffs’ directorate. However, several individuals were killed after the second blast ensued.

Investigators stated that both explosions were set off by remote control.

Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, Islamist insurgents launch near daily attacks on police and federal officials in the North Caucasus region.

Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region between Chechnya and the Caspian Sea, is one of the most violent province in the North Caucasus area. Insurgents claim they are battling to create an Islamic state out of southern Russia. As a result tens of thousands of people have been killed.

Car bombs, suicide bombings, and firefights are common in Dagestan. In the past, rebels sought to increase casualties by setting off a blast to attract law enforcement officers and then detonate a second bomb.

In 1999, Putin launched the second war in Chechnya when he was acting as prime minister. In addition, he likes to take credit for preventing the region from splitting from Russia.

Simultaneously, on Monday, Russian militants and security forces announced that they prevented a terror attack planned for Moscow.

The National Anti-Terror Committee expressed that security forces killed two militants and detained another. All three were described as Russian citizens trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The operation took place in the Orekhovo-Zuevo region of the Moscow suburbs.

A spokesman stated, “They were planning a terror attack in Moscow.” No civilians were injured. However, one Federal Security Service officer was wounded.

For further information, please see:

Aljazeera – Car Bombings Hit Russia’s Dagestan – 20 May 2013

CNN – 8 Dead, 20 Hurt in Dagestan Bombing, Security Officials Say – 20 May 2013

NBC News – Car Bombs Kill At Least Two in Russia’s Dagestan – 20 May 2013

RFE/RL – Deaths Reported in Dagestan Bombing – 20 May 2013

Comprehensive Report Regarding the use of Chemical Weapons by the Syrian Regime

 Report prepared by Syrian Network for Human Rights 14 May 2013
Introduction
 
GENEVA PROTOCOL
The 1925 agreement banning the use of chemical and biological weapons in war prohibits the killing of persons by asphyxiating gases,  other poisonous gases and bacterial methods of warfare.
The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
 
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction
(Signed at London, Moscow and Washington on 10 April 1972.
Entered into force on 26 March 1975)
Chemical Weapons Convention
 
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction
 ( Signed at Paris and New York on January 13,1993 , Effective, April 29,1997 )
 
Syrian Network for Human Rights’ team conducted separate investigations for each case of chemical weapons use by Syrian Armed Forces inside Syrian territories.
The team encountered great difficulties, especially with regards to the Syrian government’s intervention in preventing the Syrian Network for Human Rights to work freely on the Syrian’s territory.  The team members could not participate in field visits and conduct analyses.
Therefore, Syrian Network for Human Rights’ Team, who exists in all of the Syrian territories, documented and recorded information and testimonies obtained from survivors, eyewitnesses, and physicians who examined injuries, to finally document the following appendixes and attachments.
Summary
 
Syrian government’s Armed Forces launched 13 attacks and targeted 5 Governorates, using varying poisonous gases in some of these attacks, and chemical weapons in others.  That is what we could confirm in these current circumstances through testimonies of residents and physicians in the field hospital.  Syrian network for human rights’ team prepared detailed reports about those terrify attacks that led to 57 victims, and 504 injuries.
The targeted governorates can be summarized as follows :
Homs: Two chemical weapons attack
First attack:
The first attack was on December 23, 2012, targeted Bayada and Deir Ba’lbeh in Homs.  It resulted in 6 deaths and at least 60 injuries, including 10 left in critical condition, 4  paralyzed, and 3 blinded.
Second attack:
The second attack was on December 25, 2012, it targeted Zafarana village in northern Homs.  It resulted in at least 35 suffocations, all residents, Syrian Network for Human Rights didn’t document any deaths.
 
Aleppo: Three chemical weapons attack
 
First attack:
The first attack was on March 19, 2013, in Khan Alasa’l in Aleppo’s western countryside.
Syrian Government’s Armed Forces warplanes deployed missiles with chemical warheads on Khan Alasal, resulting in 22 deaths, and 250 injuries.
Second attack:
The second attack was on Saturday April 13, 2013, in the Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood in Aleppo
According to a Syrian Network for Human Rights member in Aleppo: A helicopter belonging to the Syrian Government’s Air Force (owned by the Syrian Government only) dropped two poisonous gas bombs on Sheikh Maksoud – North of Aleppo (Kurdish majority). the bombs are comprised of metal cans, fairly like conservers, with plastic cans inside that contain toxic materials which turns into gases.  It also has safety valves.
These bombs led to 5 deaths, including two infants, and more than 12 injuries caused by the inhalation of poisonous gas, transferred to Afrin for treatment.
Third attack:
Third attack was in Saturday April 27, Kueres military airport in Aleppo
Syrian Government’s Armed Forces dropped artillery shells on Free Syrian Army centers, immediately tuned into gases when exploded .
It led to 10 dead of FSA , 15 injuries of  poisoning , suffocation , and allergic symptoms cause of inhaling the poisonous gas , transferred   to FSA medical points around the airport
Third: Damascus countryside 5 chemical weapons attacks
First attack:
First attack happened nearly at 11 AM, on Tuesday March 19, 2013, in Al-Otaiba town.
It led to 5 deaths, more than 60 suffocation injuries, women and children were harmed.
The second attack: in Adra
Second attack:
Second attack happened nearly at 9 PM on Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Adra Town.
It led to two deaths, and more than 40 injuries, all residents.
Third attack:
Third attack happened nearly at 4 AM, on Tuesday April 09, 2013, in Al-Otaiba town.
It led to deaths of a number of livestock owned by residents.  The Syrian Network for Human Rights did not document any death cases among citizens.
Fourth attack:
 
The fourth attack occurred on Wednesday April 25, 2013 in Darea city.  Shell attacks were focused on the southern area in the city.
Syrian Government’s Armed Forces shelled the city with two surface to surface missiles with chemical warheads ( poisonous gases ), and led to a large number of asphyxiations among citizens, and resulted in the deaths of poultry.
Fifth attack:
Fifth attack occurred on Wednesday April 17, 2013 in Ain Tarma town – Damascus countryside.
Syrian Government’s Armed Forces, after clashes with the FSA, shelled the town with poisonous gas bombs, resulting in the death of one citizen, and 8 injuries ( Free Syrian Army and citizens ).
.
Forth: Damascus governorate 2 chemical weapons attacks
First attack:
First attack was on Sunday April 7 , 2013, Jobar neighborhood
It targeted the neighborhood with poisonous gas, and led to 7 sever suffocation injuries.
 
Second attack:
Second attack was on Sunday April 14, 2013, Jobar neighborhood
Targeted the neighborhood with poisonous gas, led to 1 Syrian’s death and more than 30 injuries
 
Fifth: Idlib governorate 1 chemical weapon attack
 
On Monday April 29, 2013, in Saraqeb
According to residents’ testimonies: A helicopter belonging to the Syrian Government’s Air Force (and is owned by the Syrian Government only) dropped bags that dispersed dust particles, causing 14 suffocation injuries.  The injured were transferred to Saraqeb hospital.
 
Attacks’ Details according to Eyewitnesses and Physician in field hospitals
Homs Governorate:
Sunday, December 23, 2012
That morning, the Syrian Government’s Armed Forces shelled the area of Al-Bayada, Deir Ba’lbeh and Al-Steen Street, shelling continued for hours, then Syrian Government’s Armed Forces retreated. This was followed by an explosion that emitted plumes of white smoke at around seven in the evening in the same day.
They were later identified as poisonous gases, and led to more than 50 injuries, which were transferred to the hospital.  According to testimonies of field hospital physicians and eyewitnesses, the bomson  resulted in cases of delirium, nerveconvulsions, loss of consciousness, tingling or numbness in all parts of the body, loss of taste, extreme pain in the eyes of victims, myosis, and severe constriction in the pupils.  Suffocated victims needed extended treatments to the trachea, treatment by oxygen, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting which resulted in acute failure of the respiratory system, and Haemoptysis similar to the symptoms of pneumonia inhalation, which was the cause of deaths of the casualties.
Attack led to 7 residents’ deaths, and at least 60 injuries, including 10 left in critical condition, 4 paralyzed, and 3 blinded.
Victims who were documented through communication with physicians and their families:
A media activist in Free Syrian Army who was an eyewitness in Homs said:
“We heard a voice like gas bomb, no smell or color, suddenly people fell down, everyone who was near the bomb were affected the most, I was a little bit further but when I came closer to help the injured, I received the same symptoms: couldn’t breathe, eye penumbra, and my nerves were relaxed.  I stayed in this situation for 5 days, and received dozens of injuries.
Appendixes and attachments:
Victims who were documented through communication with physicians and their families:
1- Alaa As’aad Hassan – (El Chircassy) – Al-Bayada – 12/23/2012 – cause: suffocation resulting from gases that were launched
2- SaberMando– Al-Bayada-23-12-2012-cause: suffocation resulting from gases that were launched
3- Ehab Asi – Al-Bayada -23-12-2012 – cause: suffocation resulting from gases that were launched
4- Bassam Iboros – 25 years – Deir Ba’laba – the Arab Spring – 12/23/2012 – cause: suffocation resulting from gases that were launched.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOcTqj5Ym2s
5- Walid Mohammed Hamadi – Al-Khalidiya – 12/23/2012 – cause: suffocation resulting from gases that were launched.
6- StoffIbrahim Hammadi – Al-Khaldia – 12/23/2012 – cause: suffocation resulting from gases that were launched.

Videos and pictures of injured people

Video showing a field hospital which includes a lot of cases of suffocation and testimony of  those injured in the attack.
Field hospital which was filled with injured
The following is a report was sent by physicians who were in the field hospital and treated the injuries:
photography report of one of Homs physicians:
The second attack in Homs:in Al-Zafranah
On Tuesday 12/25/2012
Syrian Government’s Armed Forces again used poisonous gases of the same kind, in Al-Zafranah village – north Homs.  These gases led to more than 20 suffocations, but we did not document any deaths.
Appendixes and attachments:
Videos depicting the fall of poison gas on the region

 

 
Aleppo Governorate:
First attack in Khan Al-Asal
The reality of  what happened in Khan Al-Asal, testimony of eyewitnessesvictims’ families and activists.
Date of attack: 03/19/2013
Documented by The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Introduction
Khan Al’asalislocatedinthe western countrysideofAleppo governorate , about5kilometersfromAleppo,andmost of its residentsloyal tothe Assad regime.  western part ofthe regionwasliberalizedon25/02/2013, it includes thepoliceacademy, and some farms, but other parts has still beenunderthecontroloftheAssad regime.
The region was bombed as said at 3:45 am by military air forces, warplanes dropped missiles which exploded and fired fragments like sand to long distances.  The missile fell in the southern region of Khan Al’asal.
Note the following:
First: military air force is commanded only by Syrian government’s Armed Forces.
Second: the bomsong targeted areas loyal to Syrian regime either by mistake, or deliberately and intentionally, and all victims were people loyal to the Syrian regime. Actually, this is why Syrian regime insist that the limits of United Nations Investigation Commission will only include the attack that targeted Khan Al’asal.
The report:
Location on the map:
Testimony of Dr. Nael Hariri, he has treated the injuries in Aleppo University Hospital:
He was the eyewitness in Aleppo University Hospital, when the injured were transported to the hospital, he is a physician working in the hospital, his name is Nael Hariri, and he is still alive:
“After the bomson g which target Khan All’Asal,  the hospitals in the city began to receive hundreds of cases of injuries.  25 killed were counted at Al-Ragaa hospital, Al-Razi hospital, Al-Shahbaa hospital, Syrian Specialist hospital, and Aleppo university hospital.  They all died and had symptoms of bronchospasm, suffocation, myosis, and nausea and vomiting sometimes without any malformed in an external dead body.  While hundreds of injured people (about 200 – 250 cases) were treated in public and private ambulance rooms, they had symptoms of allergic and metabolic similar to symptoms of phosphorus poisoning.  This creates strong medical doubts outweighing the use of chemical Sarin gas since its symptoms include light allergic reactions and even quick death within a few seconds.  This depends on the amount of gas that the body has been directly exposed to.”
The communication with the witness can be done through his account on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/halaalna?fref=ts
Testimony of female eyewitness, she could communicate with some nurses in Aleppo University Hospital.  Her name is Hala Ngari, and she is still alive:

“The injuries of Khan Al’asal’s residents who suffered from asphyxiation were transported to Aleppo University Hospital, but media correspondents were prevented from entering the hospital,while police, and security forces filled the hospital.  The only correspondent there was Shadi Helw (the correspondent of the Syrian satellite channel), any other media correspondents that want to enter will be subjected to full body searches, and they cannot take photos.”
The cases of suffocation filled the hospital.  Additionally, I would like to say that there are victims in  Khan Al-Asal who have not been transported to the hospital yet, patients die immediately, or died on the stretcher, and the injured requiring oxygen await death, and so do others with lighter symptoms.
The significantly important information to those who claim that this gas is not a chemical gas, is the nurses and physicians suffered from neurological disorders because of the smell of the patients’ clothes, furthermore, one of them suffered from suffocation, so patients undressed patient’s clothes that affected the medical staff.”
The communication with the witness can be done through her Facebook account
Testimony of one of the nurses from Al-Ragaa hospital, during the treatment of the injured, but she refused to disclose her identity  out of fear of being tracked by security forces:
“Almost 40 injured arrived at the hospital, all of them suffered from bronchospasm and myosis, 10 of them died.  Furthermore, two nurses and a doctor suffered from syncope and nervous convulsions.
It is believed that the material used is organic phosphor because it transfers by touch and inhalation.”
Testimony of resident’s eyewitness, his name is Ahmed Subh, and he is still alive:
“Khan Al-Asal has been shelled for a long time, a part of it was liberalized and all people in the occupied parts are Shabiha and loyal to Asaad regime. The warplane shelled the southern neighbourhood. Difficulty, we could confirm that the bombs was carried by chemical materials, and resulted in cases of suffocation, through our communication with some relatives residing in the southern neighbourhood and by spying by wireless its frequency the same of Army’s chanel . Due to they are loyal to Alasaad regime, they transported to governmental hospitals”.
You can communicate with the witness through his account on Skype :
ahmed.r.86
Testimony of resident’s Eyewitness, he is a media activist, his name is Abu Abdullah al-Halabi, and he is still alive: he told us about the place that was shelled
“I’m in Khan Al-Asal, and every two days I participate with the youth (free army) in battlefield. Khan Al-Asal consist of four neighbourhoods, most of its residents are  Alawites, supportive to Alasaad regime and Shabiha, all of them are armed. All the vicitms  was Shabiha, and we are the residents and we know them.”
You can communicate with the witness through his account on Skype :
jouman1111
Syrian Network for Human Rights documented the killing of 22 Syrians from the region’s residences after they suffered from suffocation.  The victims include five children, seven women and a doctor who was overseeing the treatment of patients in the hospital.  Additionally, we documented nearly 250 injuries of symptoms of metabolic syndrome, hepatic failure, nervousconvulsions, loss of consciousness, haw in the ability of taking, and myosis.  All these symptoms are similar to the symptoms of  organic phosphorus poisoning.
Victims’ Names:
1)     Ms. Znob daughter of Taha Za’rour and Khayria.
2)     Ammar son Mahmoud Za’rour and Zaina.
3)     Ahmed son Ali Za’rour and Marashaa.
4)     Ms. Fatima daughter Ali Za’rour, and Marashaa.
5)     Zaror son Ali Za’rour and tmoo.
6)      Hassan Son    Za’rour Ali Za’rour and Amon.
7)     8) two children, they are the sons of: Ali son    Ahmed Ali Za’rour.
9)     Ms. Amon Daughter of Ismail Amuri and Maryam Rajab.
10)Ahmed Son of  Omar Amuri and Helmeyet.
11)Ahmed Son of  Abdu Amuri and Amon.
12) Mrs. Samiha Daughter of Fares Abdul Qadir and Fatoom.
13)Mohamed Son of Mahmoud Saleh and Ayouche.
14)Abdo Son of Hassan Qaddah and Amina.
15)Ms. Zeinab girl Zakaria Abdullah Ali and Ayouche.
16)Ms. Buthaina Daughter of  Zakaria Abdul Ali and Ayouche.
17)Ms. Zahra Daughter of  Ali Abdullah Za’rour and Zeinab.
18) Victim Abdel Hadi Son of Ali Abdullah Za’rour rn and Zeinab.
19)– 21) Three children, they are the sons: Ahmed Abdo Amuri and Fatima
22)Unknown physician– during his treating of patients in Aleppo university hospital.
Appendixes and attachments:
Testimonies of some residents
Testimony of Battalion Commander in free army
Second Attack:
Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood
The second attack was on Saturday April 13, 2013 , in Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood in Aleppo
According to Syrian Network for Human Rights member in Aleppo: Helicopter belonging to Syrian Government’s Air Force (who is owned only by the Syrian Government) dropped two poison gas bombs on Sheikh Maksoud – North of Aleppo (Kurdish majority).  The bombs are metal cans fairly like conservers with plastic cans inside containing toxic materials which turn into gases.  It also has safety valves.
These bombs resulted in 5 deaths, including two infants, and more than 12 injuries due to the inhalation of poisonous gas, patients transferred to Afrin for treatment.
Medical source inside Afrin hospital told us that those who were exposed to the gas showed signs of hallucinations, vomiting, heavy runny nose and burning eyes. Their conditions deteriorated after they got into the hospital in three hours they had other symptoms such as myosis, nerve irritation and throat irritation, breath shortness, loose neurological reflexes which worsened to the loss of consciousness and frothing from the mouth.
Also, the health of some paramedics also deteriorated
Physicians inside Afrin Hospital told us that they didn’t conduct any Lab tests to know what material caused this.  The only tests were conducted in two labs in Syria, one in Aleppo and the other in Damascus, and both belong to Syrian criminal Security.
Many hospitals lack the necessary drugs and agents to heal such injuries, and doctors don’t have suitable suits or protective masks.
Another medical source in a field hospital in Shiekh Maksoud told us that one of those who inhaled the poisonous gases lost his vision immediately.
==========
Name of the victims as we could only document by communicating with their families and friends :
1-     Ms.Ghadir Alnadaf
2-     Child Abo Bakr Abdullah – 2 years –
3-     Chidl Younes Abdullah – 4 months –
4-     Ms. Ghernas Kubani
5-     Ms Ghalia ( unknown surname )
Names of the families who were exposed to the poisonous gas
1-     Ms. Reem Younes
2-     Moneer Younes
3-     Abdullah Younes
4-     Yaser Younes
5-     Jasem Alali
6-     Mahmod Bakri
7-     Alaa Bakri
8-     Mostafa Horo
9-     Rojhalat
10-   Hafal Ibrahim
11-    Rashad Abdo
12-   Ismael Mamo
Appendixes and attachments:
Testimony of physician in Afrin Hospital :
Testimony of Sheikh Maksod’s resident about poisonous shelling
Video shows injuries in the hospital
======
Photos of the incident
 
 
Third attack:
 
Kueres military airport in Aleppo
 
Third attack was on Saturday April 27, Kueres military airport 16 Km far from Aleppo in Aleppo countryside ( Dier Hafer airport )
Syrian Government’s Armed Forces dropped artillery shells on Free Syrian Army centers, immediately turned into gas when they exploded.
It led to 10 dead from the FSA, 15 injuries resulting from poisoning, suffocation, and allergic symptoms which included heavy runny nose, burning eyes and hallucination due to inhaling the poisonous gas.  Patients were transferred to FSA medical points around the airport.
Map of the airport :
According to an eyewitness, Yousef Satouf, a media activist and resident in that area who is still alive:
During clashes there is shelling, Saturday almost at 1.00 PM artillery shells hit the Free Syrian Army centers, the shell turned into gas immediately when it exploded, some suffocated to death when they inhaled the gas and others were transferred to a field hospital near the airport. Injuries showed signs of poisoning, suffocation, and allergic symptoms which included heavy runny nose, burning eyes, hallucination, and vomiting.
You can communicate with the Eyewitness by Skype:
Yaser.future1
Victims’ names:
1-     Yousef Ahmad Almahshi
2-     Abdulrazak Almetaeb Alwasmi
3-     Husain Alaid Aljunaid
4-     Abdulwahab Khshilij
5-     Hamza Ali Sarhan
6-     Mohamad Ahmad Mohemed
7-     Idris Mahmod Alahmad Alshahod
8-     Fahd Alkhalaf
9-     Abdulrahman Krot
10-   Mazen Alhamadi ( Abo Adi )
========
Damascus Countryside: 5 chemical weapons attacks

The first attack: Al Otaiba:
Tuesday 03/19/2013, and at approximately 11 AM, Syrian Government’s Armed Forces bombed Al Otaiba by missiles that carried toxic warheads.  It led to the spread of clouds of gas after the explosion.  Also, it resulted in 5 victims who were known by residents.  They are:
1-    Hosam Kashisha
2-    Husein Kashisha
3-    Yousef Kashisha
4-    Mohamed Abu ElKheir
5-    Kasem Abu ElKheir
In addition to injuring more than (60) Syrians from this region, most of them are women and children.  They suffered from suffocation, respiratory failure, Haemoptysis, severe drop in blood pressure, nervous and peripherals convulsions, myosis .
Appendixes and Attachments:
In the following video, testimony of a doctor who oversaw the treatment of injured with these gases.
In the following video, testimony of one of injured with these gases
Video shows one of injured with these gases
The second attack: Adra
On Sunday 03/24/2013, at almost 9 pm, forces of the Syrian army loyal to Syrian government bombed the Adra region with missiles containing chemical warheads. It led to two deaths, 6 injured with convulsions, and more than 38 injured from the region.
Appendixes and attachments:
Victim Mahmoud Said Karim, who was killed after inhaling toxic gases
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcAXeM1IXXE
Victim Abu Anas Arbash, who was killed after inhaling toxic gases
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YplNJ18PQH8
Testimony of a doctor who are inside the field hospital, explaining the status of each patient, while he moves among them:
The following video shows the field hospital from its inside, and a number of injured:
http://youtu.be/_OibQ0NlWuY
Third attack: Al-Otaiba:
On Tuesday 09/04/2013, Syrian army loyal to government Syrian targeted Al-Otaiba by three missiles carrying chemical materials.  The Syrian army forces left the place in the last night, and the bomson   g occurred on Tuesday at 4 Am.
Syrian network for the human rights did not document any deaths.  After the departure of  battalions armed rebels left, the withdrawal of the military forces of the Syrian government. The attack resulted in the death of a number of animals.
Appendixes and attachments:
This video shows an armed rebels taking about what happened:
Video shows death of poultry as a result of the bomson   g by chemical materials
http://youtu.be/qUJ74ERm8Q4
 
Fourth attack: Daria
Mohanad ( resident in Daria ) was poisoned by gases that targeted the city, he told us:
“On Wednesday evening in April 25, 2013, Syrian Government’s Armed Forces shelled the city with two surface to surface missiles, shells targeted the southern area of the city and spread on a large scale not a small, you can say almost 2 Km2 ( Mohanad added )
Missile was almost 500 meter away from us , we thought it is as usual shelling , didn’t care , for us it is usual and frequently, this is the war waged by Syrian regime on us , shortly thereafter symptoms appeared : breath shortness, body spasm, corestenoma , then we transferred to field hospital and get cure by the doctor there , no body killed thanks God , Animal and livestock in the area died , the cow that didn’t die their milk turned to green
Dozens of the residents witnesses the incident even those far away , cause the launching was in the dark night , Electricity in Darea was cut by Syrian Government form more than five months.”
Videos of the attack:
Physician testimony about using poisonous gases by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces during inspection one of the injury
Fifth attack: Ain Tarma town
On Wednesday April 17, 2013, Syrian Government’s Armed Forces shelled Ain Tarma town in Damascus countryside with poisonous gas bombs after clashes between FSA where they could hit a military checkpoint centered at the entrance of the town
Syrian Government’s Armed Forces reply with quick revenge by using poisonous gases , led to 1 victim killed and 8 injuries ( free army and civilians )
Video document the incident
Damascus Governorate : 2 chemical weapons attack on Jobar neighborhood
First attack
 
On Sunday April 7,2013, Syrian government’s Armed Forces shelled Jobar neighborhood in the capital, Damascus by bombs containing poisonous gases, according testimonies of resident Mr. Abu Adel and activist Abu Wael.  The attack led to more than 7 injuries in residents who suffered from the following symptoms:
Convulsions, respiratory failure, corybantiasm with dermatoxerasia, cases of bloody vomiting, eye pain accompanied with extreme myosis, and chaos in the vision.
Appendixes and attachments
Video was depicted at the field hospital in Jobar documenting the symptoms of the victims:
Second attack:
On Sunday April 14,2013, Syrian Government’s Armed Forces using poisonous gas led to the death of one Syrian and more than 30 injuries, a number of paramedics and nurses injured while doing their duty to cure the others, Symptoms were: hard breathing, rubeosis iridis, chalasia, and passing out.
One victim: Young man Ibrahim Darwish
the following videos shows poisonous gases injuries
Idlib governorate: 1 chemical weapons attack on Saraqeb
 
On Monday April 29, 2013 , Helicopter belonging to Syrian Government’s Air Force (who is owned by only Syrian Government) dropped bags led to dispersion of dust particles, causing 14 suffocation injuries, transferred to Saraqeb hospital
 
Photos and Videos of the incidents :
–   One of the rescuers who went to help injuries of chemical shelling on Saraqeb 29-4-2013
–   Helicopter thorwing barrels containing chemical materials in April 29 , 2013
–    Suffocation cause chemical shelling on Saraqeb, April 29, 2013
–     Chemical tank dropped on Saraqeb , April 29 , 2013
–     Injury caused by chemical bombs in Saraqeb , April 29 , 2013
–      Photo for the same Injury caused by chemical bombs in Saraqeb , April 29 , 2013
Legal conclusions:
The Syrian government, by using poisonous gases in different Syrian Territories, violated both International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, the use of poisonous weapons in all circumstances of armed conflicts is prohibited.
Armed Rebels
We didn’t document any case of chemical weapons or poisonous gases used by armed rebels
Recommendations:
Human right council
 
1-     Serious attention of the case  of using poisinous gases
2-     Call upon security council and relevant organizations to take upon their responsibility towards this extremly serious matter
3-     Exert pressure on the Syrian government to stop using such type of internationally prophited weapons
4-     Hold the allies and supporters of the Syrian government: Russia, Iran, China, morally and physically responsible towards excesses of Syrian Regime in this regard
5-     Demand international weapons and institutions concerning mass destruction weapons to monitor closely developments in Syria and alert any potential breaches by Syrian Government
Security Council :
1-     Decision to refer all the criminals and the involved to ICC
2-     Warn the Syrian Government Troops of therepercussionsof using chemical gases on life’s future in Syrian and its impact on stability of civil peace and coexistence of people in the same society .
3-     Serious attention to the case and put it under continously control and research
4-     Decision to enable investigation team to move freely in Syria to make sure of the allegation of the use of this weapons
5-     Demand form country technicly cabable to apply satellite monitoring on chemical weapons and its warehouse in Syria , and to warn if the Syrian Government start any procedusre to use it
Arab League :
1-     Demand Human Right Council and United Nations to give this serious issue the right attention and follow up
2-     Serious attention of this case and give it high priority, and try to take care of  family of poisinous gas victims
3-     Political anddiplomaticpressureonthe Syrian Government Troops’mainallies-Russia, Iran andChina -to prevent Syrian Government to use posinous gases , and prevent them fromcontinuous providingcoverandinternationaland political protectionforallthe crimes committed againstthe Syrian people andhold themmoraland physicalresponsibilityforallthe excesses oftheSyrian Government Troops
4-     Serious attention to the case and put it under continously control and research
5-       Support local councils and families with protective equipments and precautionary means and medical materials to deal with such disaster if it occures again

Al-Zaatari in Jordan Soon to Become World’s Largest Refugee Camp

By Ali Al-Bassam
Impunity Watch Managing Editor, News

AMMAN, Jordan — Al-Zaatari, Jordan, the second largest refugee camp in the world, is set to become the largest by the end of this year.  The camp, already home to 500,000 refugees, receives between 2,000 – 4,000 refugees on days when the violence in Syria is especially dire, and will soon overtake the Dabaab camp near the Somali-Kenyan border as the highest-populated refugee camp in the world.  According to Jordan’s Ministry of Interior, al-Zaatari as a city is the fifth largest population center in Jordan.

Al-Zaatari’s refugee camp is estimated to become the world’s largest refugee camp in the world by the end of this year. (Photo Courtesy of Al Jazeera)

Jordanians, struggling to recover from the country’s recent economic collapse, are weary of the increase of refugees, and have resorted to blaming them for a shortage of water and electricity.  “This is really the first time where we hear people in this country very loudly articulating views against opening our borders to receive more refugees,” said Jordanian Legislator Mustafa Hamarneh.

Jordan, concerned about the long term effects of housing so many refugees, requested the global community to provide immediate aide.  “We need the UN’s assistance, and we need it immediately,” said Jordanian Minister of Interior Hussein Majali in a press conference.  Majali praised the UN’s efforts thus far, but said that more is still needed to be done.  “We could see two million refugees in Jordan by the end of the year,” said Majali.  “The crisis is affecting Jordan on every level, healthcare, economically, education, all our sectors are being stressed.”  Refugee Affairs Coordinator for Jordan’s Ministry of Interior, Saleh al-Kilani, said that the refugee crisis costs the jordanian government 2,500 Jordanian Dinars (approximately $3,500) per refugee per year, and that Jordan has already spent $826 million on the current crisis.

Syrians refugees are also voicing their resentment, as riots and protests now occur regularly within the al-Zaatari camps.  Residents of the camp say that they are tired of the “wretched living conditions,” and that “they are being made to feel like prisoners.”

The al-Zaatari camp itself is comprised of tents and mobile-home caravans.  The caravans create a class-based distinction between refugees who have little, and those who have less.  Refugees turned al-Zaatari into their own community by establishing an unregulated marketplace.  Refugees successfully converted tin stalls into shops and vendors, and created jobs within the camps, where they earn a steady income in teaching in Unicef-run schools, cleaning bathrooms, and pitching tents.

Jordan, a key ally of the U.S., is also concerned about the next state of Syria if the Assad regime falls.  It is weary of what could occur if Syria becomes an extremist state.  Hamarneh believes that no country in the Middle East, including Jordan, would be prepared for that outcome.

For further information, please see:

Al Jazeera — Jordan to Host ‘World’s Largest Refugee Camp’ — 16 May 2013

Catholic Online — As Death and Destruction Rain Down in Syria, Refugees Flee With Lives to Jordan — 16 May 2013

CBS News — Tensions Rise as Syrian Refugees Flood Jordan — 16 May 2013

Jordan Times — Jordan Hosting Largest Number of Registered Syrian Refugees — 16 May 2013

New York Times — Syrian Refugees Struggle at Zaatari Camp — 16 May 2013

International Day Against Homophobia: Eastern European LGBT Communities Face Continued Adversity (Updated)

By Madeline Schiesser
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

MOSCOW, Russia – May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia.  LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) communities around the world plan to mark this day with events such as gatherings and rallies.  However, in Eastern European countries in particular, signs of discrimination against LGBT peoples remain prevalent.

Moldovan gay-right’s activist Artiom Zavadovsky stands by a banner with the promise, “Everything will change for the better.” (Photo Courtesy of RFE/RL)

Last week, a man, age 23, in the southern Russian city of Volgograd was tortured and murdered by several of his companions when he admitted to them he was gay over a few beers, according to investigators.  Close friends and family of the victim deny the allegation he was gay.

At least two men, ages 22 and 27, were arrested in connection with the murder, and are belied to have allegedly beat the victim, sodomized him with a beer bottle, smashed in his skull with a stone, and then dumped his naked body.  A third has been questioned.  Activists in Russia say that it is rare for police to specify homophobia as the motive for a crime.

Local laws banning dissemination of “homosexual propaganda” to anyone under 18 have cropped up across the country, and a bill for a national ban on “homosexual propaganda” will receive a second reading in parliament later this month.

Authorities in Moscow rejected requests by the Russian LGBT community to hold a gay pride march later this month to celebrate 20 years since homosexuality was taken off the books as a criminal offense, despite the flexibility of the request to accept several alternative days for the march.  They claimed the venue the activists wanted was booked.

In St. Petersburg, one of the first cities to ban “homosexual propaganda,” authorities accepted an application for a rally to mark International Day Against Homophobia.  Despite the ban, portions of St. Petersburg and other cities, usually green-spaces, were designated, under the presidency of Dmitry Medvedev, as “free-speech zones” where citizens can hold events by simply notifying authorities in advance, without going through the often difficult process of receiving official permission which typically results in denied applications.  Activists took advantage of this procedure in St. Petersburg in order to hold their rally, despite several cries from anti-gay politicians to ban the event.

In Moldova, activists have been met with some success recently in combating intolerance and this week launched their 12th annual weeklong “Rainbow Over The Dniester” festival to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia in the conservative and predominantly Orthodox Christian country.  Festival organizer Anastasia Danilova believes that access to information has greatly helped people become more tolerant.

Despite the increasingly tolerant attitudes towards homosexuality in Moldova, Festival organizers decided to move the venue of a march scheduled for May 19th from downtown Chisinau to another part of the city due to pressure from authorities over concerns of clashes and social tensions.  The Orthodox Church has criticized the march and called for a counterdemonstration the same day.

In Ukraine, the parliament is considering two bills that if passed would infringe on the free-speech rights of the LGBT community.  The bills, similar to Russia’s “homosexual propaganda” laws, define propaganda as any public activity that spreads positive information about homosexuality, such as rallies, parades, demonstrations about LGBT rights, discussions, or special courses.  Violators of the laws could be sentenced to several years in prison.

Meanwhile, legislators have postponed discussion on a bill to prevent discrimination  against sexual minorities after about 300 protesters gathered in front of parliament May 14, carrying signs with slogans such as, “We are the majority, and we are against homosexuals!” and, “No to Homosexuals, Yes to Family, Save Ukraine!”  Presently, sexual orientation and gender identity are not prohibited grounds for discrimination.

A report released by the E.U.’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) on Friday, based on a survey of 93,000 LGBT people throughout the E.U. and Croatia, confirmed that East European states had the highest records of  homophobic behavior, while over 1 in 4 respondents reported being attacked or threatened with violence in the last 5 years due to their LGBT identities.  Of those attacked, more than half reported that they did not report the incident to authorities because they believed no action would be taken.

However, despite the findings of the survey, Ioannis Dimitrakopoulos, head of FRA’s equality and citizens’ rights department, said there appeared to be a “pattern across Europe whereby things seem to be improving for the younger generation.”

The FRA survey of 93,000 LGBT persons shows high discrimination in Eastern Europe. (Photo Courtesy of BBC News)

For further information, please see:

BBC News – EU LGBT Survey: Poll on Homophobia Sparks Concern – 17 May 2013

Amnesty International – Ukraine: Discrimination and Violent Attacks in Pervasive Climate of Homophobia – 16 May 2013

HRW – Ukraine: Reject Discriminatory LGBT Laws – 16 May 2013

RFE/RL – Moldovan LGBT March Location Changed – 16 May 2013

RFE/RL – St. Petersburg LGBT Activists To Test ‘Propaganda Law’ With Tolerance Event – 16 May 2013

RFE/RL – Moldova’s LGBT Festival Seeks To Build On Recent Successes – 15 May 2013

RFE/RL – Ukraine MPs Postpone Antidiscrimination Debate After Protests – 14 May 2013

BBC News – Arrests Over ‘Anti-Gay’ Murder in Volgograd Russia – 13 May 2013

REF/RL – Russian Officials Say Volgograd Killing Was Homophobic Attack – 12 May 2013