Global Arab Network | Daraa: Syria deploys army to silent freedom protests

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Daraa: Syria deploys army to silent freedom protests

Global Arab Network - - George Haddad

Monday, 21 March 2011 13:49

Syrian_army_deployed_tanks_and_heavy_machineries_in_Deraa

Syria (Daraa) - Syrian army deployed tanks and heavy machineries on Monday at the entrances to the southern city of Daraa as officials tried to calm passions following protests for freedom in which five civilians were killed, residents told news agencies.

Thousands of mourners marched at the funeral of 23-year-old Raed al-Kerad who died Sunday, the latest of five protesters to be killed by security forces. Mourners chanted slogans demanding political freedom and an end to corruption.

"God, Syria, freedom. The people want the overthrow of corruption," they chanted.

Demonstrators took down the statue of Hafez al-Assad, Syria's former president, al-Arab TV reported.

The slogan is a play on the words "the people want the overthrow of the regime," the rallying cry of the revolutions that overthrew the entrenched leaders of Tunisia and Egypt and spread across the Arab world.

The mourners later gathered at the al-Omari mosque in the old quarter of Deraa near the border with Jordan.

Troops set up checkpoints at the entrances of Deraa and were checking identity cards. The Syrian justice minister arrived at a city hall.

On Saturday, Alistair Burt, UK Minister for Middle East and North Africa, has made a statement on violence committed Syrian authorities.

Burt said: “I have been watching closely the situation in Syria. All Syrians have a right to express their views in a peaceful and open manner. I am extremely concerned by reports of increasing violence and the excessive use of force by security forces, apparently resulting in the death of a number of protesters yesterday.”

“I am also disturbed by reports of the arrest and prosecution of around 20 human rights activists who attempted to conduct a peaceful protest outside the Interior Ministry on Wednesday. This, along with reports of demonstrations in towns around Syria being broken up with lethal force is very worrying.”

“I call on the Government of Syria to respect the people's right to peaceful protest and listen to their legitimate grievances. I welcome the news that the Syrian authorities are planning an investigation into the deaths of protestors yesterday. This process needs to be a fair and transparent and ensures that those responsible are held accountable” (AFP, Reuters, Youtube, Others)

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