By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria – On Sunday security forces and secret police raided a town on the western coast of Syria and allegedly fired on protesters without warning.  In Jableh, witnesses say that security forces began firing on small groups of protesters, as they started to gather in the streets.  One man was killed.

Protestors continued to gather in the streets, spurred on by the violence.  As they chanted, calling for the end of the regime, snipers fired from the roofs of nearby buildings.

On Saturday in the there were also reports that security forces fired shots at people who were paying their respects to protesters that had been killed.  The incident left at least ten people dead.  In addition, many police officers have been injured during the attacks on protesters.

These demonstrations have been going on for several weeks, with protesters calling for the government to end the state of emergency and martial law and for the release of political prisoners.

In the meantime, Human Rights Watch has recommended that the United Nations set up an international inquiry into the incident which left many peaceful protesters dead  and other human rights violations that have occurred in Syria. The organization also suggested imposing sanctions on Syrian officials who are responsible for the attacks on peaceful protesters as well as the detention and torture of some protesters.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as well as the president of the European Parliament and US President Barack Obama have condemned the violence and have called on the Syrian government to stop using violence against protesters.

The Canadian government has also expressed concern over the use of violence against protesters in Syria.

Human Rights Watch officials stated, “President Bashar al-Asad’s promises of reform mean nothing while his security forces are free to kill peaceful protesters. The Obama administration and the EU should push for meaningful sanctions that will persuade President Asad to end the shootings and restore human rights.”

For more information please see:
CNN – Security Forces Open Fire on Syrian protesters; at least 1 dead – 24 April 2011

Human Rights Watch – Syria: World Should Impose Sanctions on Leadership – 24 April 2011

Montreal Gazette – Canada ‘deeply concerned’ by Syria crackdown – 24 April 2011

By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria –Security forces open fire on mourners gathered in the suburbs of Damascus, to pay their respects to friends and family lost in the bloodiest day since the outbreaks of protests in Syria.  Six were shot dead.  Over one hundred people were killed Friday when security forces advanced on civilian protesters in the country’s capital.  This comes just days after President Bashar al-Assad issued a ban on public demonstrations.

Tens of thousands were reported to have attended Friday’s funerals for the fallen.  Security forces attempted to deter the gathering by firing on those traveling to the event.  “There were was a heavy volley of gunfire in our direct as we approached Ezra to join the funerals of martyrs” commented one Syrian.  Reports confirm that at least three civilians will killed by snipers on their way to the funeral.

Despite Assad’s recent move to end decades of emergency rule, the government has attempted to reassert control and order of the public through violent reprisals.  Now some analysts are beginning to suggest that the imposition of martial law is near.

Government officials have failed to take responsibility for authorizing the use of force against peaceful protesters, instead alleging that violence is the product of disgruntled armed criminal gangs.   One official dismissed reports of civilian casualties stating that the deaths were mere fabrications, made up by gangs carrying bottles of fake blood. Other officials insist that security forces had only used water cannons and tear gas to disband protests.

Human rights groups have widely condemned the Syrian government for violations of international law. The government’s restrictions on access to foreign journalists have made it difficult to get real time information about the crisis and formulate an accurate assessment of those dead in Syria.  Syrian human rights activists estimate that over 200 people have been killed since March 16^th.

In the face of violent crackdowns, anti-government momentum remains strong and the public resilient.   Calls for the end of the Assad regime continue to ring out in city squares throughout the country as protesters make clear they are willing to risk their lives for the future of their country.  And protests have not been in vain.  Numerous concessions, albright limited, have been given to citizens.  In addition, a number of governing officials have resigned from their posts, surcoming to pressure from civilian ousters.  Two more officials of the country’s defunct Parliament resigned after Friday’s massacres.

But there is little indication that the President will soften his positions.  As Assad attempts to cling to power, the risk that full blown civil conflict could ignite within Syria continues to rise.  Whether the international community will react as it did in Libya remains to be seen but one thing remains clear; the situation in Syria will likely get worse before it gets better.

For more information, please see:

Sydney Morning Herald – Outrage at Massacre of 88 Protesters – Apr. 24, 2011

BBC Middle East – Syria Protests: Security Forces “Fire on Mourners” – Apr. 23, 2011

New York Times – Syrian Security Forces Fire on Mourners in Several Towns – Apr. 23, 2011

Ynet – Syria Buries Scores of Dead Amid Growing Unrest – Apr. 23, 2011

By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

HOMS, Syria – Leaders in the international community have spoken out against the Syrian government and has called upon it put an end to the arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture of civilians.  U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the violence in Syria at a news conference today.

The most recent reports of violence among civilians are from the Syrian city of Homs.  However, journalists have not been allowed access to the city, which has made it difficult to determine what exactly is happening.  Activists have reported that more than twenty pro-democracy protestors have been shot and killed by military forces.

In Homs, demonstrators have been protesting since Monday, calling for the “downfall of the regime”.  Military forces were deployed and government officials ordered the protestors to disperse.  These demonstrations have continued, even though the government has ratified legislation that ended the state of emergency that has been in effect in Syria for the past forty-eight years.  The newly-elected cabinet also approved legislation that requires Syrians to obtain approval from the government before holding a demonstration.

Secretary of State Clinton has suggested that Syria allow “free movement and free access” and that it “stop the arbitrary arrest, detentions and torture of prisoners.”  The people of Syria have raised issue and seek lasting reform, which Clinton thinks the government needs to address.

In another city, Banias, where civilians were shot and killed last week, the chief of the security police was fired.  According to local residents, Amjad Abbas was observed beating a villager along with several other officers.

Reports indicate that more than two hundred people have been killed since the uprisings, inspired by Egypt and Tunisia, began over a month ago.  Various rights groups are seeking independent investigations into the acts of military forces during this time.

The state of emergency has been in effect since 1963, when the Baath Party performed a coup and seized power.  Security forces were allowed to suppress dissent because gatherings of more than five people were prohibited.  The new law which requires demonstrators to obtain permission did not clarify whether ending the state of emergency would create a less restrictive government.

While the new law is viewed as a positive sign, the U.S. State Department stated that it’s up to the Syrian people to ensure that it is sufficient and that real change happens.

For more information please see:
Reuters – Clinton Says Syria Must Stop Detention, Torture – 20 April 2011

Reuters – Protest Erupts in Syria’s Homs Despite New Law – 20 April 2011

The Christian Science Monitor – End of Emergency Rule in Syria Unlikely to Quell Protests or Stop Arrests – 20 April 2011