Information blockade shields crimes against humanity, says Human Rights Watch report
Security forces have killed at least 418 people in the Daraa governorate alone, and more than 887 across Syria, according to local activists who have been maintaining a list of those killed.
Twenty-three days in a detention facility: Q&A with journalist Khaled Sid Mohand
IPI reiterates calls for the immediate release of journalists in custody.
Security forces target activists; families and neighbours detained
“Syria’s leaders talk about a war against terrorists, but what we see on the ground is a war against ordinary Syrians – lawyers, human rights activists, and university students – who are calling for democratic changes in their country,” said Human Rights Watch.
At least five journalists held in custody
CPJ called on the government to make public the names of all journalists currently in detention and release them without delay.
Nationwide campaign of arrests continues
Human Rights Watch urged authorities to lift the siege of the southern town of Daraa.
EOHR condemns detention of human rights activist
The authorities reportedly forced two young men from Homs to say that activist Rasim Al Atasy urged them to start a riot during the demonstrations that swept Syria.
Al-Jazeera suspends Syria operations
In a separate incident in Lebanon, unidentified men poured gasoline on the broadcast truck belonging to the Beirut-based television station Al-Jadeed.
Syria should not be allowed on UN Human Rights Council, rights groups urge
In a letter of appeal, Syrian and Arab NGOs expressed alarm about Syria’s candidacy for membership in the HRC.
Human Rights Watch calls for international inquiry after killings of protesters
On 22 April, security forces killed at least 76 protesters, and possibly as many as 112, according to lists compiled by local human rights activists.
Journalist arrested in Syria as crackdown continues; camera operator assaulted in Yemen
Syrian authorities arrested Khaled Sid Mohand, a freelance journalist who works for France-Culture, a French public radio station, and “Le Monde”, officials at the station told CPJ.
At least 28 killed in crackdown in Daraa, Harasta, and Douma
Security forces in at least two towns prevented medical personnel and others from reaching wounded protesters and prevented injured protesters from accessing hospitals, Human Rights Watch said.
Al-Jazeera staff threatened in Jordan; journalists detained and released in Syria
Yasser Abu Hilala, Al-Jazeera’s Amman bureau chief, told CPJ that his office received death threats via telephone as well as on Facebook and email.
President Al-Asad fails to deliver reform
Human Rights Watch urges the government to abolish the emergency law and introduce new laws to broaden political and civil society participation and guarantee freedom of expression.
Reuters journalists come under attack in Syria and Libya
Citing diplomatic sources, Reuters said correspondent Suleiman al-Khalidi, a Jordanian national, had been detained in Damascus.
News blackout continues
Physical attacks, arrests, bans on visiting certain regions, deportations and disappearances all seem to be among the measures being used by the authorities to intimidate journalists trying to work in an independent and professional manner.
IPI alarmed at reports of bloggers, journalists detained
IPI calls on the authorities to immediately release all journalists, bloggers and writers in its custody, so that they may report freely on the developments in the country.