Syrian protesters call for president’s execution
Posted August 12, 2011 4:48 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
At least 14 protesters were killed by Syrian security forces on Friday, according to human rights groups.
The violence and anger continued to escalate with tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets, shouting for President Bashar Assad’s death.
Calls for Assad’s execution marked the end of a long week of military assaults on rebellious cities.
The protest movement began fairly quietly in March with calls for minor reforms. Over the next five months it grew in size and intensity.
Human rights groups say at least 1,700 civilians have been killed since the government began cracking down on dissenters.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged countries to stop buying Syrian oil and gas or selling the regime weapons. Clinton said those that continue to do business with the government must stop and “get on the right side of history.”
With files from the Associated Press
