Syrian Network for Human Rights documented 88 victims, Sunday, 28 April 2013, all across Syria, including 12 children, 8 women, 5 tortured to death, and 35 armed rebels
By Madeline Schiesser
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe
MOSCOW, Russia – An election watchdog has been fined under a new Russian law that requires Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to register as “foreign agents.”
Golos (Voice) is the first NGO to be fined under the law that went into effect last November. A Moscow court ruled that the Watchdog had filed to register as a “foreign agent” after receiving funds from abroad in December, and therefore fined Golos 300,000 roubles (£6,200; $9,500; €6,300). Additionally, its director, Lilia Shibanova, was fined 100,000 rubles (£2,100; $3,200; £2,100).
Under the law, NGOs which receive foreign funding and supposedly engage in “political activities” must register as “foreign agents,” a term which has its roots in the Stalin Era, when it was used to discredit enemies of the state.
Golos defended itself explaining that the finds in question were a sum of €7,728.4 ($10,000) awarded by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee as part of its Andrei Sakharov Freedom prize. The funds were transferred into Golos’ account in December before Golos was able to immediately return the prize money unused.
Although Golos received funding in the past from USAID, Golos asserts that since November, “The Golos association receives no foreign funding and is funded solely by Russian resources.” Furthermore, Golos insists that the law should not even be applied to the organization as Golas is not involved in “political activity.” It says it will appeal against the verdict.
The 13-year-old Watchdog group played a key role in exposing fraud during the 2011 parliamentary election, charting abuses across Russia, most notably with an online “map of violations.” It also reported on widespread violations during the 2012 presidential vote, which resulted in Vladimir Putin’s third presidential term. Its exposure of violations and falsifications during these elections helped spark mass protests against Putin’s rule, which is why Golos believes it is now being targeted by authorities.
Golos is also mindful of the precedent its fate will set for other NGOs. “We are convinced of our innocence,” Golos said before the verdict. “This is the first court hearing bringing to responsibility an organi[z]ation that is purportedly a foreign agent. The fate of many other NGOs will depend on the decision.”
While the fining of Golos is the first enforcement of the foreign agents law, more than 200 NGOs in 50 regions of Russia have been raided by inspectors in the past months. Tax auditors have poured over the financials of many NGOs, while health & safety and fire inspectors have arrived unannounced at NGO offices to scrutinize code compliance. The continuing raids on Russian NGOs have sparked international outrage, and the U.S. State Department has called them “a witch hunt.”
“The government claims the inspections are routine, but they clearly are not,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The campaign is unprecedented in its scope and scale, and seems clearly aimed at intimidating and marginalizing civil society groups. This inspection campaign can potentially be used to force some groups to end advocacy work, or to close them down.”
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused NGOs in Russia of receiving $1 billion in foreign funding since the beginning of the year. In response, 56 organizations signed an open letter demanding an explanation for what they describe as a grossly inflated figure. Many NGOs have also said they will not comply with registering as “foreign agents.”
The goal of the raids and foreign agents law appears to be to intimidate NGOs, including advocacy groups whose criticism has long bothered the Kremlin, to close their doors, a move which would cripple civil society in Russia. The organizations searched include not only those critical of the government, but also NGOS concerned with medical assistance, battling pollution, distributing clothes and food to the needy, and, generally, improving the quality of life for ordinary Russians. Their closure would affect thousands of families who rely on NGOs for the services that the Russians authorities have been unable, or unwilling, to provide.
According to veteran human rights activist Lyudmila Alekseyeva, the Kremlin’s strategy is to bring even civil society under its domain. “After bringing the business world, the judicial and the legislative power under its control, after mastering the technologies to arrange election results, the authorities are determined to tackle Russia’s last bastion of independence — civil society,” she said. “Civil society is increasingly active, and this frightens them.”
For further information, please see:
Moscow Times – U.S. Voices Concern Over Fine of Golos – 26 April 2013
BBC News – Russia NGO Law: Election Watchdog Golos Fined – 25 April 2013
RFE/RL – Golos Election Monitoring NGO Fined Under New Law – 25 April 2013
HRW – Russia: Worst Human Rights Climate in Post-Soviet Era – 24 April 2013
RFE/RL – Raids On NGOs Could Threaten Ordinary Russians – 21 April 2013
Syrian network for human rights documented 133 victims , Saturday 27/4/2013 all across Syria, including 12 children, 7 ladies, 4 tortured to death, and 30 armed rebels.
Damascus and countryside : 51 victims
Daraa : 23 victims
Aleppo : 19 victims
Dier Alzoor : 10 victim
Homs : 11 victims
Idlib : 5 victims
Hama : 11 victims
Hasaka: 3 victims
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Damascus and countryside : 51 victims ; 3 children – 1 lady – 3 tortured to death
1- Girl child Ghina Alos – 4 years old – shelling on Harasta http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHMQn5C_cEc&feature=youtu.be
2-Ahmad Alhomsi – sniper bullet in Jobar http://bit.ly/ZUVW0q
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=486945328028033
3- Omar Alatki – sniper bullet in Moazameat Alsham
4- Ahamad Abo Hamad – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces after he was kidnapped at a checkpoint , his body found with signs of torture on http://youtu.be/aeFGkjGNVeA
5- Unknown girl child – 11 years – sniper bullet in Madaya
6- Nidal Abo Hasan – affected his wounds in Jdidt Artoz by sniper bullet http://bit.ly/14YdEcj
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=220899021367943
7- Mohamad Abo Abdo – armed rebel – clashes http://bit.ly/ZCPOQ7
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=220882321369613
8- Mohamad Ghazi –surface to surface missile on Doma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvxlAGFa-TI
9- Child Mohamad Swidan –surface to surface missile on Doma http://bit.ly/14pO0MV
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463437950403792
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNpUP82sYL8
10- Kasem Alwawi –surface to surface missile on Doma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlkHrqN_ASM
11- Akram Alshikh Bazina –surface to surface missile on Doma http://bit.ly/Y3Qk7z
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463432387071015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnbOTDbQNRA
12- Mohamad Almhshi –surface to surface missile on Doma http://bit.ly/Zrd9mD
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463431963737724
13- Ahmad Alhalabi –surface to surface missile on Doma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAM-VJ53EyI
14- Omar Alkadri –surface to surface missile on Doma
15- Unknown victim –surface to surface missile on Doma http://bit.ly/14YoUFq
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463460760401511
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noRaLYrUPUw
16- another unknown victim –surface to surface missile on Doma http://bit.ly/123uMpF
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463460987068155
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvALovcOsBc
17- another unknown victim –surface to surface missile on Doma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvALovcOsBc
18- Amir Alsaidi – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Jdidt Artoz
19- Essam Massod – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Jdidt Artoz
20- 23 Four Unknown victims –shelling on Sabina
Video of the massacre – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjGBuPJq3yI
24- Misbah Alarbinia – affected his wounds cause of sniper bullet in Arbin http://bit.ly/10jrcGn
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=521574461233832
25- Atef Alasbah – in 22/4/2013 , cause of explosion of Alnorr gas station in Mliha
26- Dr. Wasim Ahmad – tortured to death in prison
27- Hasan Aljarof – armed rebel – tortured to death in prison
28- Ismael Sukar – 61 years old – shelling on Jobar in 24/3/2013
29- Nabil Madali -executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Jdidt Artoz
30- Mahmod Hamada – in 26-4-2013 , shelling on Doma http://bit.ly/ZVnfYx
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463538977060356
31- Mohamad Akel – shelling on Jarajir
32- Ms Salma wife of Mohamad Akel – shelling on Jarajir
33- Ahmad Akil Ghazali – shelling on Jarajir
34- Naser Bakdash – shelling on Ain Tarma
35- Maher Joha – shelling on Ain Tarma
36- Amer Joha , brother of Maher Joha – shelling on Ain Tarma
37- Unknown victim – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Qadam http://bit.ly/1840wkw
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=482049175199197
38- another Unknown victim – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Qadam http://bit.ly/12zENgQ
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=482049191865862
39- another Unknown victim – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Qadam http://bit.ly/15Pwu4G
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=482049215199193
40– Hasan Abo Yamen ( unknown surname ) – shelling on Daria
41- Anas Abo Hamid ( unknown surname ) – shelling on Daria
42- Ahmad Abo Shfik ( unknown surname ) – shelling on Daria
43- Osama Abo Obada ( unknown surname ) – shelling on Daria
44- Abdulmajed Habra – shelling on Domair
45- Abo Saleh – Palestinian – shelling on Yarmouk refugee camp
46- Samer Balalah – surface to surface shelling on Doma
http://bit.ly/14YoUFq
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463460760401511
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY8L4LYvKI8
47 – Ms Qamar Masarwa – surface to surface shelling on Doma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZUE9mYcpys
48- Issa Aldroubi – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Jdidt Artoz
49- Unknown victim daughter of Issa Aldroubi – executed by Syrian Government’s Armed Forces in Jdidt Artoz
50- Khudur Gharli – shelling on Jarajir
51- Mohamad Saleh – shelling on Jarajir
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Dier Alzoor: 10 victims; 2 children – 2 ladies
1-Child Yousef Aljasem – 5 years old – shelling on Kharita http://youtu.be/N1ML5ufvch4
2- 6 Five unknown victims – shelling on Kharita
http://youtu.be/16uwwIVpdhw
7- Alaa Alnazal from Dier Alzoor , shelling on Barza
8- Ms. Nadia Almotreb – shelling on Mohasan by rocket launcher
9- Infant Khola Almhimd – 8 months – shelling on Mohasan by rocket launcher https://www.facebook.com/DeirAlZorPN?fref=ts#!/photo.php?fbid=499609676754956&set=a.283412061708053.59778.281419281907331&type=1&theater
10- Ms Jamila Khalf Alsamhi – shelling on Mohasan by rocket launcher
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Aleppo: 19 victims, 1 girl, 1 tortured to death
1-Khadija Kosa – 5 years old – shelling on Miskan
2- Khalil ( unknown surname ) armed rebel – clashes with popular committee and YPG, PYD
3- Dalshad ( unknown surname ) armed rebel – clashes with popular committee and YPG, PYD
4- Mohamad ( unknown surname ) armed rebel – clashes with popular committee and YPG, PYD
5- Unknown victim – sniper bullet in Shikh Maksod
6- Hasan Ajam – shelling in Salah Aldin
7- Mahmod Fares – shelling in Salah Aldin
8- Unknown victim- his body found near international park in Aleppo
9- Zahr ALdin Rashid – armed rebel – clashes
10- Ismael Mawas – armed rebel – clashes
11- Ghasan Karja – armed rebel – clashes
12- Othman Othman – armed rebel – clashes
13- Saleh Alali – armed rebel – clashes
14- Saed Abdo 80 years old – sniper bullet
15- Mahmod Othman – armed rebel – clashes
16- Jumaa Amin tortured to death after detention for 6 months
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Daraa: 23 victims, 6 children
1-Samer Almasri – armed rebel – sniper bullet
2- Abdulrahman Khudur – – armed rebel – clashes
3- Suliman Rashid Alhariri – sniper bullet in Shikh Miskin
4- Ali Mokbel – armed rebel – clashes
5-Girl child Rawan Alhasan – shelling on Othman
6- Osama Alnahas – shelling on Othman
7- Ahmad Almasri – shelling on Othman
8- Mohamad Alshibli – shelling on Othman
9- Mohamad Abo Horan – armed rebel – clashes
10- Unknown child son of Ahlam Alhamadi – shelling on Msifra in 26-4-2013
11- Rida Jamos – armed rebel – clashes
12- Child Mahmod Alnator with three brothers in a fire in Alzaatari refugee camp in Jordan
13- Child Salem Alnator with three brothers in a fire in Alzaatari refugee camp in Jordan
14- Child Yasin Alnator with three brothers in a fire in Alzaatari refugee camp in Jordan
15- Child Mohamad Alnator with three brothers in a fire in Alzaatari refugee camp in Jordan
16- Ibrahim Alkor – shelling on Mahata
17- Moaz Aljabal – armed rebel – clashes
18- Ahmad Mosa Almasri – armed rebel – clashes
19-Hani Zaline – armed rebel – clashes
20-Mahmod Rabdawi – armed rebel – clashes
21- Rida Aljamos – armed rebel – clashes
22- Abo Ali Alhorani – defect soldier – clashes in 26-4-2013
23- Naser Alsbihi – shelling on Othman
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Homs: 11 victims, 2 ladies
1-Mohamad Barok – shelling on Kusair
2- Hasan Hmid – shelling on Kusair
3- Ms Safia Terkawi – 20 years old – sniper bullet in Alwar
4- Ms. Saada Juma – sniper bullet in Kusair
5- Diaa Kabalan – armed rebel – clashes
6- Sultan Alazam – shelling on Sukhni
7- Saleh Karazon – armed rebel – clashes
8- Mohamad Amer – armed rebel – clashes
9- Hamdi Swaid – sniper bullet
10- Wael Ibrahim – armed rebel – clashes
11- Subhi Arafat – armed rebel – clashes
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Hama: 11 victims
1-Raed Hindawi – armed rebel – executed with three of his friends in 15 March street
2- Abdulah Zalokh – armed rebel – executed with three of his friends in 15 March street
3- Bilal Oaf – armed rebel – executed with three of his friends in 15 March street
4- unknown victim – armed rebel – clashes
5- Mohamad Alomar 21 years old – 2nd year communication engineer , sniper bullet
6- Mohamad Husria – armed rebel – executed with three of his friends in 15 March street
7- Khled Maliki – sniper bullet
8- Talal Mirtazai – shot on head while he was driving
9- Alaa Diab – 18 years old – shelling
10- Haitham Alsiadi – Security forces’ bullet, then took his body
11- Monzir Alsiadi – Security forces’ bullets, then took his body
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Idlib: 5 victims:
1-Husain Aljaber – Syrian Government troops bullets in Om Trik village
2- Mohamad Samea –with his brother – shell on his car
3- Mohamad Samea –with his brother – shell on his car
4- Khled Kadi – old man, father of two martyrs – shell on his house
5- Abas Kalawi – shell on Khaled Kadi house
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Hasaka: 3 victims:
1-Fahd Samari – warplane shelling
2- Bonian Aljarba – warplane shelling
3- Ahmad Tamr – worked as a guard in a feed centre, his body was found but the cause of his death is unknown
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Hold the [Red] Line!
To President Obama, paraphrasing Toto: It’s not in the way that you told us, It’s not in the way you say you care, It’s not in the way you’ve been treating your friends, It’s not in the way that you’ll stay till the end, It’s not in the way you calculate or the things that you say that you do: Hold the line; Crises are not always on time. Nor are they convenient or easy to handle. But the fact is: ignoring them will not make them go away.
News
Rebels attack air base in northern Syria In Saturday’s fighting at the Abu Zuhour air base in northwestern Idlib province, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there were casualties on both sides. The base has been under rebel siege for months. The Observatory and the Local Coordination Committees said the Syrian air force conducted several air raids during the fighting to ease pressure on government troops inside the air base.
Cameron fears Iraq effect holding West back in Syria UK PM David Cameron has expressed concern that international action in Syria may be being held back because of fears of a repeat of the Iraq war. It follows evidence from the US and the UK that Syrian government troops may have used chemical weapons. Mr Cameron said world leaders must look at Syria and “ask ourselves what more we can do.”
Investigative Reports
Syria: Al-Qaeda’s battle for control of Assad’s chemical weapons plant The fight for al-Safira is no ordinary turf war, however, and the prize can be found behind the perimeter walls of the heavily-guarded military base on the edge of town. Inside what looks like a drab industrial estate is one of Syria’s main facilities for producing chemical weapons – and among its products is sarin, the lethal nerve gas that the regime is now feared to be deploying in its bid to cling to power.
Lebanon dragged in as Hezbollah joins Syria war The Shi’ite Muslim group, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, is the most effective military body in Lebanon and its growing involvement in Syria’s quagmire has angered Lebanese Sunni rebel sympathizers. The Hezbollah stronghold of Baalbek, famed for its colossal Roman ruins, now feels like a garrison town. Hezbollah men in military fatigues and police outfits are everywhere. As are Jeeps and Chevrolets with blacked-out windows – the group’s vehicles of choice.
Analyses & Op-Eds
Islamist Rebels Create Dilemma on Syria Policy Across Syria, rebel-held areas are dotted with Islamic courts staffed by lawyers and clerics, and by fighting brigades led by extremists. Even the Supreme Military Council, the umbrella rebel organization whose formation the West had hoped would sideline radical groups, is stocked with commanders who want to infuse Islamic law into a future Syrian government. Nowhere in rebel-controlled Syria is there a secular fighting force to speak of. This is the landscape President Obama confronts as he considers how to respond to growing evidence that Syrian officials have used chemical weapons, crossing a “red line” he had set. More than two years of violence have radicalized the armed opposition fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad, leaving few groups that both share the political vision of the United States and have the military might to push it forward.
Analysis: No good military options for U.S. in Syria Possible military choices range from limited one-off missile strikes from ships – one of the less complicated scenarios – to bolder operations like carving out no-fly safe zones. One of the most politically unpalatable possibilities envisions sending tens of thousands of U.S. forces to help secure Syrian chemical weapons. Obama has so far opposed limited steps, like arming anti-government rebels, but pressure to deepen U.S. involvement in Syria’s civil war has grown since Thursday’s White House announcement that President Bashar al-Assad likely used chemical weapons.
Obama’s ‘red line’ on Syria: An Iraq-like ‘slam dunk’ moment? (+video) President Obama said a ‘red line’ would be crossed if the Syrian regime used chemical weapons against rebels. Might that propel the US into war, as those elusive ‘weapons of mass destruction’ did in Iraq?
My new paper, prepared for a briefing in Washington, D.C. that took place on January 15, 2013, is now out and is titled “Syria 2013: Rise of the Warlords.” It should be read in conjunction with my previous briefing “The Shredded Tapestry,” and my recent essay “The Creation of an Unbridgeable Divide.”
Video Highlights
Destroyed tanks and BMPs in Jobar Neighborhood, Damascus City, following clashes between rebels and loyalists http://youtu.be/_o_UM9LmKRA The pounding of the neighborhood with heavy artillery position on top of Mount Qasayoun continues http://youtu.be/iOi1__YbAFo , http://youtu.be/zM5-TrAqSqM The pounding from Mount Qasayoun http://youtu.be/QW-uZqlRIPA
Aerial bombardment on nearby Eastern Ghoutah continues: Saqbahttp://youtu.be/iOi1__YbAFo , http://youtu.be/26REwk2wHLI Fires rage inKafar Batna after an aerial raid http://youtu.be/NsgdtnMeWV4 ,http://youtu.be/ZRAUhjIeWVI
Rebels in Al-Qusair, Homs, claim that this body belongs to a Hezbollah operative they recently killed in battles. Hezbollah acknowledge the death of this operative known as Abu Ali Rida or Hussain Salah Habeeb, we see his obituary at end of the clip http://youtu.be/KbZZ5EQLOlQ
Aerial bombardment on rebel strongholds in the mountains of North Lattakia intensifies: Salma http://youtu.be/Ez7UxVG_IKU ,http://youtu.be/b4PChIF9Vqs Rebels try to bring down a jethttp://youtu.be/2A1yGIN-xlg
Rebels in Na’eemah, Daraa, destroy a radar stationhttp://youtu.be/MDxVs3FsMGU and try to bring down an overflying jethttp://youtu.be/YnwmtXFZ7e4 But MiGs soon destroy the positionhttp://youtu.be/iOi1__YbAFo
Heavy clashes between loyalists and rebels take place on the outskirts of Hama City http://youtu.be/KE1iWtacUx0
The pounding of rebel strongholds in Deir Ezzor City continueshttp://youtu.be/bXl2pMnqSMI
Deir El-Zour | Al-Eshara
Military warplane bombardment was responsible for a massacre which took place in Al-Eshara neighbourhood in Deir el-Zour as it took the lives of a number of civilians including children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w9w1tRpK3
Very graphical photos of two of the corpses:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=499278223454768&set=a.283412061708053.59778.281419281907331&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=499276293454961&set=a.283412061708053.59778.281419281907331&type=1&theater
Daraa | Al-Museifra
A horrific massacre took place Al-Museifra as indiscriminate bombardment carried out by the Syrian military took place in Daraa (Extremely graphic):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BnsUbWAI8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8GxqMzpRnU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6TaFk9jqnY
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Suffering and Human Rights Violations:
Homs | Al-Rastan
The people in the city of Al-Rastan are still suffering as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate where it is hard to acquire any sort of bread for the families to feed on. In addition to this, the constant and daily bombardment overshadows the mental health of children as well as some families who decided to flee the area after their homes have been destroyed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Ts_Li1qzw
Citizens queuing for bread:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3iMwOSh6zs
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Bombardment and Destruction:
Damascus | Ain Tarma
Vacuum bombs used by Syrian army warplanes resulted in massive amounts of destruction in civilian buildings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65kowu8xXBU
Daraa | Daraa Al-Balad (Centre)
Syrian army warplanes continue to use barrels filled with TNT which caused significant amounts of destruction in Al-Karak neighbourhood in Daraa Al-Balad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBH46wUVMvI
Hama | Um-Hartein
Bombardment carried out by the Syrian army has left the suburbs of Hama devastated:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Z6ygzln8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwLhwXCykIk
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Suffering of Children
Homs | Al-Rastan
Children in the city of Al-Rastan are unable to live the lives of a normal child, their only request is for the bombardment to stop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmBdvSc6K5w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j18rQ-k9VdI
A number of orphan children living in one home:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKEO2LgAh10
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