Syria - Mugur Varzariu

Less than forty-eight hours earlier, in the town of Daraa, south of Damascus, dozens of Syrians had been killed by government forces following a march of protest against the regime. On 23 March demonstrators from the town and the neighbouring villages had entered the town at around five o’clock in the afternoon, after marching for a number of hours.

They were demanding freedom, the rescinding of the emergency law that allowed the military regime to quell all forms of opposition, and the release of political prisoners arrested on the basis of this arbitrary law.

Reaching the town centre, the marchers were met by government forces, which opened fire on them. Two brothers from Al Hrak were shot by snipers, who used a classic ploy: selected at random, the first brother was felled by a bullet in the middle of his forehead, the second brother rushed to help him and was immediately killed, also by a shot to the head.

On the following days I tried to enter Daraa and Assanamein, but both towns were circled by troops. On 26 March I entered the village of Al Hrak. Here, members of the victims’ families and villagers had taken to the streets to demand justice.

On Sunday, 27 March it was the turn of the country’s northern regions to be gripped by the fever of street demonstrations. Latakia was the next town where massacres took place. In Damascus, as if hypnotised, everybody I spoke to tried to convince me that the country was at peace. But when I mentioned Daraa, they straightaway said that Hezbollah-sponsored terrorist groups were responsible for the killings there. Nobody was prepared to accept that their president had murdered those people on the basis of an anachronistic law in punishment for their having dared to rebel. Even though they refused to believe, the city’s streets were emptier than usual, and after ten o’clock at night they were deserted.

The whole business about terrorists reminded me of the scare story bandied about in Romania in 1989, when we were looking for terrorists that haven’t been found to this day. Tired of so much searching, we have forgotten to look for the real guilty parties.

On the morning of 30 March, everybody was impatiently waiting for Bashar to give a speech. Despite events thitherto, if well stage-managed the speech could consolidate the president’s position, reconfirming him as a genuine leader of the Syrian nation.

By accusing foreign powers and various television channels for the emergency situation, the president missed this opportunity, in my opinion, and thereby paved the way for fresh waves of demonstrations.

AL HRAK, SYRIA - MAR 25: Demonstrators from Al Hrak and Kherbet Ghazalah block the highway to Daraa in protest of the killings of five of their members on March 25, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people were shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Subsequently, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. However, these measures failed to halt the protests, as more cities joined the demand for the abolition of emergency law, freedom for political prisoners, and the punishment of those responsible for the killings. © Mugur Varzariu

Shop owner seen through the window of his store in the old city of Damascus, on March 27, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

General view of Damascus as seen late afternoon on March 27, 2011. Omayad Square, opera house and Syrian national tv house can by seen in the picture. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Pro Bashar supporters gather in Omayad Square, following the resignation of Syrian government on March 29, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Posters depicting Syrian president Bashar al-Assad seen on the walls of a house in the old city of Damascus, on March 28, 2011. On the March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

People in Al Hrak storm the streets in protests against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, demanding justice for those killed in Darra, seen on the billboard, on the 26 of March, 2011. On the March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km South of Damascus. Later, the governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Syrians kissing a poster of president Bashar al-Assad during a pro Bashar rally in Omayad Square, following the resignation of syrian government on March 29, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Pro Bashar rallies in Omayad square, following the resignation of Syrian government on March 29, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Muslim man walk by near S. Roqaya Shrine, in the old part of Damascus, an important pilgrimage site for the Iranian muslims of shi'a origins. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Iranian shi'a girl walks by near S. Roqaya Shrine, in the old part of Damascus, an important pilgrimage site for the Iranian muslims of shi'a origins. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Grandparents and 3 kids, morn the lost of their son and father, killed in Darra, seen on the March 26, 2011 in their home in Al Hrak. The two brothers (picture in picture) where killed by snippers on March 23, along with at least 15 other people, in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

People in Al Hrak storm the streets in protests against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, demanding justice for those killed in Darra, seen on the billboard, on March 26, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Pro Bashar supporters waving flags, take part in a rally near Omayad square, following the announcement stating that salaries will be increased by 30%, made by the Syrian president on March 24, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Pro Bashar supporter carrying a poster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, take part in a rally in Omayad square, following the announcement, stating that salaries will be increased by 30%, made by the Syrian president on March 24, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Pro Bashar supporter shouts slogans in support of Syrian president, in front of the Syrian parliament, awaiting for the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to address the nation, on March 30, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Young man walking on the Souk Al-Hamidiyeh street in old Damascus, on the morning of March 28, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

People in Al Hrak storm the streets in protests against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, demanding justice for those killed in Darra, seen on the picture, on the 26 of March, 2011. On the March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km South of Damascus. Later, the governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Sisters and relatives, morn the lost of two brothers, killed in Darra, seen on March 26, 2011 in their home in Al Hrak. The two brothers where killed by snippers on March 23, along with at least 15 other people, in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Military forces take part in a rally in Omayad square, following the announcement made by the Syrian president on March 24, 2011, stating that salaries will be increased by 30%. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Pro Bashar supporters carrying a poster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, take part in a rally in Omayad Square, following the announcement, stating that salaries will be increased by 30%, made by the Syrian president on March 24, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Billboard depicting Syrian president Bashar al-Assad seen on the highway from Daraa to Damascus. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Picture of one of the people from Ak Hrak, killed in Darra, seen on March 26, 2011 on the screen of a computer belonging to his brothers. He was killed by snippers on March 23, along with at least 15 other people, in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

People walk by a store in old Damascus selling flags and other propaganda materials imprinted with the image of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad on the morning of March 28, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Pro Bashar supporter, seen through the windshield of his car (covered by a sticker depicting the Syrian president and his late father) takes part in a rally in Omayad Square, following the resignation of Syrian government on March 29, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Muslim man walks by near S. Roqaya Shrine, in the old part of Damascus, an important pilgrimage site for the Iranian muslims of shi'a origins. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

A pro Bashar supporter that holds a poster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, take part in a rally near Omayad Square, following the announcement stating that salaries will be increased by 30%, made by the Syrian president on March 25, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

People in Al Hrak storm the streets in protests against syrian president Bashar al-Assad, demanding justice for those killed in Darra, seen on the billboard, on March 26, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

Elderly woman walking on the Souk Al-Hamidiyeh street in old Damascus, on the morning of March 27, 2011. On March 23, at least 15 people where shot dead by security forces in the city of Daraa, approximately 100 km south of Damascus. Later, the Governor of Daraa was dismissed and the Syrian government resigned. The measures failed to put an end to the protests, more cities joining the demand for emergency law abolition, freedom for the political prisoners and the punishment of those responsible for the killings.

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