30 people arrested at Syria protest, Amnesty International says

2011-03-17 05:07:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

DAMASCUS (BNO NEWS) -- At least 30 people were arrested on Wednesday after security forces broke up a small demonstration outside Syria's Ministry of the Interior, witnesses told Amnesty International.

Protesters, who demanded the release of political prisoners, were violently dispersed by plain-clothed security officers wielding batons in Damascus. Children, the elderly and women were among those beaten, according to witnesses. Among those arrested were prominent human rights activists Mazen Darwich, Suhair al-Atassi and Serene Khouri, as well as other former prisoners of conscience.

"Like many of the political prisoners whose release they were calling for, protestors appear to have been arrested simply for the peaceful expression of their views," Philip Luther, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said. 


"The Syrian authorities must immediately release all those arrested in the last two days for merely attending peaceful protests, and stop these attacks on freedom of expression and assembly," he added.

On Monday, several people were also arrested during the so-called "Day of Rage" meant to emulate those in other Arab nations. Protesters demanded the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over the post from his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000, and called for more freedoms. 

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-17

Had this taken place in Israel the thread would no doubt be three pages long by now.

Had this taken place in Israel the thread would no doubt be three pages long by now.

Probably because it would be hijacked by pundits who declare its okay to do so. Just look at the Bahrain topic.

You seem to think that anyone who disagrees with your views is "highjacking" a thread.

People should be allowed to protest peacefully wherever it is. The authoritarian repressive governments of this region are showing their true colours in more and more countries. Syria, Bahrain, Libya, Saudi, Yemen and no doubt more. They clearly are not going to allow themsleves to be Mubaraked whatever horrible actions they it involves to maintain their status.

You seem to think that anyone who disagrees with your views is "highjacking" a thread.

I borrowed hijacked from a pundit comment in the Bahrain topic.

And as the complain goes that an Israel topic would be 3-pages long by now, that would be a result of different opinions.

3 pages of hypocritical posters whining about human rights who do not bother to criticize Syria or Iran or anyone other than the US, the UK and Israel.