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Protest in Daraa (archive)
Photo: Reuters
Syrian demonstrator
Photo: EPA

Thousands of protesters demand reform in Syria

Activists, witnesses say thousands demonstrating in cities across Syria chanting 'freedom'

Activists and witnesses says thousands of people are demonstrating in several Syrian cities.

 

The witnesses say about 10,000 people were chanting "freedom, freedom" Friday in the southern city of Daraa, which has become the epicenter of the protest movement.

 

Others witnesses say demonstrations have begun in the northeastern village of Bayda and in Douma near the capital, Damascus. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of government reprisals.

 

A large pro-democracy protest also took place in Deir al-Zor on the Euphrates river, activists and a tribal sheikh said.

 

In the coastal city of Banias, around 1,500 people chanted "freedom" after Friday prayers, despite the deployment of the army in the city as part of a deal to contain protests, the Syria Observatory for Human Rights said. There were also protests in Kurdish areas in eastern Syria, a Kurdish source said.  

 

A month-long protest movement calling for sweeping reforms has steadily gained momentum in Syria. More than 200 people have been killed during the government crackdown on protesters, according to Syria's main pro-democracy group.

 

Earlier on Friday, the Human Rights Watch issued a report claiming Syrian security forces have arrested hundreds of people arbitrarily since pro-democracy protests erupted a month ago and subjected them to torture and ill-treatment.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 04.15.11, 15:18
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