Security forces kill dozens of protesters; activists and journalists detained
Security forces have detained journalists and online activists who have reported on the protests or called for further protests.
Government crackdown leads to protester deaths
According to Reuters, security forces fired on and killed Wissam Ayyash, Mahmoud al-Jawabra, and Ayham al-Hariri; a fourth protester, Adnan Akrad, died from wounds also sustained by live ammunition used by security forces.
Peaceful demonstration violently dispersed; 34 reported detained, including prominent activists
The government should respect the right of people to assemble peacefully and release all prisoners detained for peaceful political activity or for exercising their right to free expression, Human Rights Watch said.
Journalist Ali al-Abdullah gets 18-month sentence
The sentence stemmed from an article published by Abdullah while in prison in 2009, criticising Syrian-Iranian relations.
Several bloggers arrested or missing
“The regime treats bloggers as enemies and fears their ability to use the Internet to exchange information and organise protests,” RSF said.
Journalist remains detained on new charges despite expiry of sentence
Ali al-Abdullah now faces new charges of “disseminating false information” for an article he wrote in prison.
Security court sentences young woman blogger to five years in prison
Nineteen-year-old high school student Tal Al-Mallouhi is convicted of “divulging information to a foreign state”.
Palestinian journalist goes missing in Damascus while doing research on Hamas
Muheeb Al-Nawathy was doing research for a book he is writing about Hamas.
Bar association brings disciplinary charges against human rights defender
Radeef Mostafa is being placed under tremendous pressure for defending human rights in general and the rights of the Kurdish minority in particular.
Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to free activist who criticised Iran
Ali Al-‘Abdallah finished serving a 30-month sentence but was then charged for statements he made from his prison cell instead of being released.
Ahead of Assad’s visit to France, RSF urges Sarkozy to address free expression situation in Syria
Assad has often spoken of political openings since taking office in 2000, but reforms are at a standstill, RSF said.
Proposed law would step up censorship of online media, says RSF
RSF calls on the authorities to abandon an Internet communications bill that was drafted at the behest of the prime minister.
Jailed rights defender assaulted, punished in prison
Human rights organisations are calling for an independent investigation, including an examination of prison officials’ possible complicity.
Release detained blogger Tal al-Mallouhi, ANHRI tells Syrian president
In an open letter, ANHRI and other organisations demand that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad release the 19-year-old blogger.
Blogger held incommunicado for over eight months
Tal Mallouhi criticised Arab and Syrian international policy and the Union for the Mediterranean, a partnership between the EU and Mediterranean basin countries.
Prominent lawyer turning 80 in jail
Haytham al-Maleh is serving three years for criticising the Syrian authorities