Syrian gov't frees 755 prisoners as observers tour Homs

Violence continued in several parts of the country, with activists saying two died in the Baba Amr district of Homs, and at least four soldiers were killed in an ambush carried out by a group of military defectors in the country's south on Wednesday.

The prisoners' release, reported by the state-run news agency SANA, followed accusations by Human Rights Watch that Syrian authorities were hiding hundreds of detainees from the observers.The New York-based group said the detainees have been transferred to off-limits military sites and urged the observers to insist on full access to all sites used for detention.

HRW's report, issued late Tuesday, echoes charges made by Syrian opposition members that thousands of detainees were being transferred to military sites ahead of the observers' visit.

Syrian officials have said the Arab League monitors will have unrestricted access to trouble spots but will not be allowed to visit sensitive military sites.

“Syria has shown it will stop at nothing to undermine independent monitoring of its crackdown,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. She said it was essential for the Arab League “to draw clear lines” regarding access to detainees, and be willing to speak out when those lines are crossed.

SANA said the prisoners released Wednesday did not include those with “blood on their hands.”

Last month, Syrian authorities released 2,645 prisoners in three batches but activists and critics say thousands more who were picked up in the past months remain in jail.

The Arab observers kicked off their one month mission in the violence-wracked country with a visit on Tuesday to Homs — the first time Syria has allowed outside monitors to the city at the heart of the uprising.

A local official in Homs told The Associated Press that four observers were in the city on Wednesday as well, touring various districts. He declined to give his details.

Syrian TV said observers toured several trouble spots in Homs including the neighborhoods of Bab Sbaa, Baba Amr, Inshaat and al-Muhajireen, adding they met with residents there.

Homs residents said anti-government protesters were preparing for a second day of demonstrations, despite a massive security presence.

“I can see riot police with shields and batons on main streets and intersections, they are everywhere,” said one resident over the phone.

The resident and other eyewitnesses said most of the tanks were gone but police and security agents were spread out. “Snipers are all over Homs, this is something the observers don't see,” the resident said.

Homs-based activist Majd Amer said members of the Syrian opposition wished to reach the observers but didn't know how.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

PrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email