Growing Crackdowns Against Protests

Demonstrators Across the Middle East Met With Bullets, Teargas





Syria
After nearly a week of protests in Daraa, security forces using live bullets and teargas forced their way into the al-Omari mosque, where protesters had gathered. Our researcher, on the phone with them, could hear gunshots.

Yemen
In the deadliest attack since Yemen’s protests began, unidentified gunmen opened fire on largely peaceful demonstrators while security forces stood by without intervening. Doctors said 45 protesters, including one young boy, were dead and more than 350 wounded.

Bahrain
Nighttime raids on demonstrator’s homes have become disturbingly familiar. Last weekend, security forces – often masked and in civilian clothes – arrested four physicians and two human rights activists who supported pro-democracy protesters.

Algeria
Police blocked protests in Algiers, invoking a 2001 decree banning demonstrations in the capital. On Saturday, a formidable police deployment prevented a small group of youths from marching to the president’s office.

Gaza
Hamas police violently dispersed several peaceful demonstrations calling for Palestinian political reconciliation. Plainclothes and uniformed police beat protesters with clubs and used derogatory sexual language against female protesters.

Vem kan tro att det någonsin blir någorlunda civiliserat i Mellanöstern? Inte jag i alla fall!