4pm Update From Syria: Friday June 3, 2011
It’s Enough! “No dialog until the regime is toppled”.
This week the regime again demonstrated its lack of respect for Syrian citizens and human rights. After the regime killed more than 100 citizens this week and 7 children, Syrians responded strongly today chanting for an end to the regime, for freedom and for the martyrs. They clearly stated that they cannot negotiate with this violent regime, chanting “no dialogue until the regime in toppled.” The world should follow the lead of the people and call for an end to the Assad regime.
The protesters inside Syria were backed up yesterday by the Antalya Conference declaration of the Syrian opposition outside of Syria, demanding that Assad should step down immediately (full declaration here: http://www.lccsyria.org/583 )
“Even after Assad started the killing, people in Syria gave him a chance to push reforms,” a Syrian activist said. “However this time is over now. The violence has continued – Assad has to go. People inside and outside of Syria are united now in calling for Assad to step down, and the world community should follow this call”. The Australian prime minister has now taken this step and questioned the legitimacy for the Assad regime, calling on the international Criminal court to take investigations agains Assad.
Internet was cut across the country including 3G, DSL and dial-up, as the regime attempts to silence dissent and cover-up their crimes. We had only a single report of internet access in the morning from Abu Ramaneh.
One activist and member of the LCC Syria said “there is no internet in Syria today, but in 2011 there is no dictator on earth that can stop information from going out.”
Security forces fired on protesters in Moukef a-Shouakh (Deir Alzour) immediately after prayer, and then in Jaseem, Daraa, Hama and Banyas. At least two casualties are being reported in Idleb. We have reports of 15 killed and 200 injured in Hama. We have the names of five killed in Rastan, where over 80 were killed by security in the last week.
Tens of thousands of protesters in Maarat Al Numan, Idlib have chased the security forces and shabiha thugs out of the town. Protesters in Maarat Al Numan came from the surrounding villages to participate in the demonstration.
Large protests in Qamishli were reported to be supported by several Kurdish parties including Tayyar Al Mustaqbal, Azadi and Yekiti.
Residents reported biggest protests to date in Douma and Homs. Demonstrations in Douma originated from at least four different mosques. In Homs, several neighborhoods (Bab Amer and Inshaat) joined together.
Residents on the ground are reporting over 100,000 protesters in Maaret Al Nouman. Meanwhile, Hama reported a protest going for 1.5 kilometers.
Muslims and Christians demonstrated together in Jdaidet Artouz.
Events today follow a week of siege in Rastan and Talbiseh. Rastan is now reporting that more than 1,000 citizens have been arrested this week and that security forces looted money and jewelry from houses.
We have confirmed reports of more than 40 demonstrations, but we are still hearing more reports of protests – for a list and the map check www.lccsyria.org/map .