Amnesty International condemns Syria's death penalty for those arming 'terrorists'

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Amnesty International condemns Syria's death penalty for those arming 'terrorists'

2011-12-23 21:32:58 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- Amnesty International on Thursday warned that the bloodshed in Syria could worsen after the government introduced a law imposing the death penalty on anyone found guilty of arming 'terrorists.'

The official SANA news agency reported on Tuesday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had signed a law providing the death penalty for anyone who provides weapons or helps to provide weapons intended to carry out terrorist attacks. The announcement came during one of the deadliest weeks since pro-reform protests began earlier this year.

"The law could have serious consequences as the Syrian authorities claim that anti-government protests are the work of 'armed terrorists'," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International's interim Director for the Middle East and North Africa. "The Syrian authorities must immediately repeal this law, which represents yet another brutal tool in their arsenal of repression."

An eyewitness speaking to Amnesty International described seeing the bodies of what he estimated to be around 100 residents following shelling in the western part of the village of Kafr Awaid on Tuesday. He said they had fled their homes out of fear of arrest in their homes.

The Syrian National Council (SNC), a Turkish-based opposition government in exile, condemned the regime of Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday for its "appalling massacres" which left nearly 250 people killed over a 48-hour period. The group urged the Arab League and the United Nations Security Council to take "the necessary measures" to protect civilians.

Since April, Amnesty International has called for the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Syria and an assets freeze on President Bashar al-Assad and others involved in ordering or perpetrating serious human rights abuses. Consultations are expected to resume on Thursday on a new draft resolution on Syria before the UN Security Council.

The United Nations earlier this month said the death toll in Syria as a result of the ongoing government crackdown against protesters and civilians in general has surpassed at least 5,000. The Syrian government has claimed violent acts against protesters have been carried out by 'terrorists dressed as soldiers,' although international observers have rejected these claims.

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