Syria fires on thousands of protesters despite US warnings
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Syrian regime responded to Barack Obama's demand that it allow peaceful protests by firing on thousands of demonstrators yesterday who poured on to the streets demanding the end to Bashar al-Assad's 11-year rule.
Rights groups today reported that at least 44 people were killed at rallies across the country, most of the them in the northern province of Idlib and the central city of Homs, the scene of repeated challenges to President Assad's rule.
The crackdown, which has become a weekly feature of the Syrian uprising as tens of thousands of people take to the streets after Friday prayers, came the day after President Obama told Mr Assad to lead the transition to democracy or "get out of the way". He also told the Syrian government to stop shooting demonstrators.
Witnesses reported that security forces also used tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators in Hama – the scene of a brutal crackdown by President Assad's father in 1982, which killed hundreds.
Human rights groups say more than 850 people have been killed in clashes during the past two months.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments