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 16th.
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
