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An “Ordinary” Day in Damascus
Notes from Syria, SI reports from the nation’s capital
Al-Jazeera suspends Syrian bureau in response to attacks
Al-Jazeera suspended its Arabic services in Syria yesterday (27 April) in response to attacks on its staff and government restrictions. The authorities have pressured Syrian nationals into resigning from the organisation and have prevented journalists from entering and reporting in Daraa, the city where the Syrian uprising began on March 15. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, unknown assailants have attacked the Al-Jazeera offices with eggs and stones for the past three days. The events mirror those in Egypt, where Al-Jazeera journalists were also subject to abuse and intimidation.
Syria: Government crackdown results in mass casualties
The Syrian regime has launched a massive crackdown against protestors demanding political reform in the country. The killing of protestors in 14 separate towns on April 22 heralded a dramatic escalation in violence. In an attempt to pre-empt further protests, the government ordered (25 April) tanks to move in to the city of Deera, which has been at the centre of unrest in the last few weeks. Human rights groups have estimated that 400 people have been killed by security forces since protests began five weeks ago.
Security forces kill three in Syria
Syrian security forces killed three people on Sunday (17 April) when they opened fire on mourners attending the funeral of another slain protester. The funeral procession had turned into a protest against the government. The incident took place outside the town of Talbiseh, north of the central city of Homs.