Syria unrest: 'Four protesters killed' in Deraa Skip to main content

Syria unrest: 'Four protesters killed' in Deraa

Protesters gather around the Omari mosque in Deraa, Syria (22 March 2011) The UN has said it is greatly concerned by the killings of protesters in Syria

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At least four people have died after security forces fired on protesters outside a mosque in the Syrian city of Deraa, human rights activists say.
Hundreds of people had earlier gathered in the streets outside the Omari mosque to prevent troops from storming it.
"They cut off electricity and the firing started," one activist said.
The mosque has been the focus of anti-government demonstrations since Friday. At least 10 people have now been killed in clashes with police and soldiers.
UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay earlier urged the Syrian government to carry out a transparent investigation into the violence.
"We are greatly concerned by the recent killings of protesters in Syria and reiterate the need to put an immediate halt to the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, especially the use of live ammunition."
"People have the legitimate right to express their grievances and demands to their government, and we urge the Syrian government to enter into a broad, meaningful dialogue with the protesters."
The EU has also strongly condemned the "unacceptable" crackdown.
The government has accused the protesters of being Israeli agents and infiltrators, and there have been arrests across the country.
On Tuesday, human rights activists said Louai Hussein, a former political prisoner who supported the protesters, was taken from his home in the Damascus suburb of Sahnaya.
Omari mosque in Deraa, Syria (22 March 2011) The Omari mosque, in Deraa's Old City, dates back to the early Islamic Umayyad era
However, reports say the governor of the Deraa region, Faisal Kalthoum, has been sacked - one of the demands of the demonstrators.
The authorities have also released the 15 children whose detention for writing pro-democracy graffiti prompted people to march from the Omari mosque after Friday prayers to demand greater political freedom.
The security forces later opened fire to disperse the demonstration, killing four people. The following day, they fired on mourners at two of the victim's funerals, killing another person. An 11-year-old boy died on Monday after suffering the effects of tear-gas inhalation.
Although the demonstrators have not demanded the resignation of President Assad, the unrest is the most serious challenge to his rule since he succeeded his father, Hafez, 11 years ago.
Syria has been ruled under emergency laws since 1963, and the Baath Party is known for brutally suppressing dissent.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12827542
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