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Journalism of Courage
A Syrian human rights group said Syrian security forces have killed at least 27 protesters during demonstrations across the country.
Fridays protests are the latest sign the conflict in Syria could be moving toward a long and bloody stalemate. Security forces fired on demonstrations in several major cities and towns Friday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the death toll has risen to 27.
Human rights groups say more than 850 people have been killed in the clashes and clampdowns since the uprising against President Bashar Assad began two months ago. Assad has shrugged off tighter sanctions and US calls to step aside.
Witnesses reported protests Friday in the central cities of Homs and Hama; outside the capital of Damascus,and the Mediterranean ports of Banias and Latakia. Like most witnesses contacted by The Associated Press,the residents asked that their names not be used in fear of reprisals from the government.
Last week,mass arrests and heavy security kept crowds below previous levels seen during the uprising,suggesting Assads sweeping campaign of intimidation was working. But the marches Friday suggested that opposition forces could be trying to regroup.
Rami Abdul-Rahman,directory of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,said Fridays protests were more widespread and larger than the previous week. There were large numbers from the south to the north to the suburbs,and there were protests in besieged cities and towns, he said. Despite the heavy security and military presence in almost all these places,people staged protests calling for freedom. This is very significant.
Fridays death toll was reported by Syrian human rights activist Mustafa Osso. Osso said witnesses also were reporting that the army deployed tanks around the northern town of Maaret al-Numan,which has seen intense protests.
In an address on Thursday on the Arab world uprising,US President Barack Obama said that Assad should lead his country to democracy or get out of the way. Syrias official news agency said Obamas speech was tantamount to an incitement.
