Middle East
Syrian security forces 'fire on protesters'
Heavy gunfire reported in the southern Syrian city of Daraa as anti-government
protesters defy a week-long crackdown.
Last Modified: 25 Mar 2011 13:55
Protests turned deadly on Wednesday after security forces opened fire on
demonstrators in Daraa [Reuters]
Syrian security forces in Daraa have opened fire on anti-government protesters
gathered in the city, protesters have told Al Jazeera.
Reuters also reported that heavy gunfire could be heard in the southern city,
the focal point for demonstrations against Bashar al-Assad's regime in recent
days.
The incident comes as protesters demanding greater freedom called for a "day of
dignity" on Friday following a week-long crackdown by pro-regime forces that
has left dozens dead.
At least 200 people marched in the centre of Damascus after Friday prayers in
support of the people of Daraa, scene of protests against Baath Party rule, a
Reuters news agency witness said.
"We sacrifice our blood, our soul, for you Daraa," they chanted as they were
met by President Bashar al-Assad loyalists chanting in support of the Syrian
leader.
Secret police broke the Damascus protest and arrested dozens, Reuters said.
A human rights activists, quoting witnesses, said thousands of people were
gathering in the town of Douma outside the capital, pledging support for the
people of Daraa. The activists asked to remain anonymous for fear of
retribution.
In the capital itself, outside the famous Ummayad Mosque, scores of people were
gathering.
Hundreds of villagers also marched to Daraa in support of the people there,
chanting "Freedom is ringing", a witness said.
They set off from the village of Dael near Daraa.
"The crackdown shows there is real confusion in the Syrian government on how to
deal with [widespread protests]"
Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies
After the Friday prayers in the village, men on motorcycles and cars honked
their horns while a few hundred men marched, some of them carrying Syrian flags
and chanting: "Dael and Daraa will not be humilitated!". Plainclothes security
agents watched without interfering.
Daraa, the main city of southern Syria, has become a flashpoint for protests.
Officials have been on the defensive after protesters in the southern city were
shot dead by police.
Security forces appeared to be trying to reduce tension in Daraa by dismantling
checkpoints and ensuring there was no visible army presence on the streets for
the first time since last Friday, when the protests began.
But journalists who tried to enter Daraa's old city -- where most of the
violence took place -- were escorted out of town by two security vehicles.
"As you can see, everything is back to normal and it is over," an army major,
standing in front of the ruling Baath party head office told journalists before
they were escorted out of the city.
Activists had called for "Day of Dignity" rallies at mosques across Syria
despite a reform pledge by the government.
Syria announced that it would "study" ending emergency rule - in place since
1963 - and look into legalising political parties, a presidential adviser has
said, after a week of deadly protests in the country's south.
"I am happy to announce to you the decisions made by the Arab Baath party under
the auspices of President Bashar al-Assad ... which include ... studying the
possibility of lifting the emergency law and licensing political parties,"
Buthaina Shaaban, the Syrian president's media adviser, said on Thursday.
The current emergency law allows people to be arrested without warrants and
imprisoned without trial.
'Harsh crackdown'
Soon after the promises of reforms were made, the prisoners detained in Daraa
during the protests were released. There were also reports of orders being
issued by the president for the army to pull out of Daraa.
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Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University
of Oklahoma, said the Syrian government appeared to be confused over how to
deal with the protests.
"This is widespread. This is Syrians who are in pain, who are in poverty, who
have been treated badly and the government understands that," he said.
"Shaaban made some important statements saying no issue is taboo and the
government feels your pain.
"At the same time, they [the government] crackdown harshly, and this shows
there is real confusion in the government on how to deal with this."
'Major step'
Rula Amin, Al Jazeera's correspondent in the capital, Damascus, said many of
the pledged measures address demands Syrians are talking about. They included a
raise in salaries for all workers in the public sector and health insurance for
them.
"Saying there will be a study to lift emergency law is a major step, as is the
promise of a new law for the media to increase transparency.
"But will this be enough? I think for some this is a good sign, others will
want more measures to be undertaken immediately."
About 20,000 Syrians marched in Daraa on Thursday, calling for liberty. Defying
a security crackdown, they took to the streets during funerals for nine
protesters killed a day earlier by security forces.
The nine were among at least 25 people shot dead on Wednesday, residents said.
Shaaban said the Syrian government had no objection
to peaceful protests [Reuters]
Khaled al-Abboud, the member of parliament representing Daraa, reiterated the
government's position that security forces never intentionally clashed with
demonstrators.
"Security forces never used live ammunitation, and were never in direct clashes
with demonstrators," he told Al Jazeera.
"Shortly after these demonstrators took to the streets, a group of armed
personnel appeared to be joining them. Therefore security forces never
retaliated - but in the end they handled those armed thugs. Yes, security
forces used force, but against those thugs - not against peaceful
demonstrators.
"Therefore, if people among peaceful demonstrators were hurt or killed in these
clashes, we demand an investigation, in order to come to a conclusion."
A witness told Al Jazeera that more than 100 people were killed. He said many
people have gone missing and bodies have been dragged away from the streets.
Shaaban told reporters that ten people were killed on Wednesday, in what she
called an attempt to target Syria because it supports resistance against Israel.
"What is being targeted is Syria's position, Syria's security and ability to be
a pillar of resistance against Zionism and US schemes,'' she said.
Shaaban said the Syrian government had no objection to peaceful protests, and
claimed that demonstrators in Daraa had attacked security forces.
"The demands of the people are being studied night and day and Syria will
witness important decisions that meet the ambitions of our people"
Buthaina Shaaban, Syrian government media adviser
"The demands of the people are being studied night and day and Syria will
witness important decisions that meet the ambitions of our people,'' she said.
Shaaban said the president had chaired a meeting of the ruling Baath party at
which decisions taken included guaranteeing security for the people, and a
higher committee to discuss with Daraa residents what had happened and sanction
those responsible.
"If there is a legitimate demand by the people then the authorities will take
it seriously, but if somebody wants to just cause trouble then it is a
different story," she warned.
The government crackdown has led to harsh criticism from the US, Britain,
France and the United Nations.
Source:
Al Jazeera and agencies
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