Demonstrators Arrested in Northeast

The security services arrested up to 20 people in northeastern Syria as they protested against deteriorating economic conditions, the Syrian Organisation for Human Rights reported in a press release on May 19.



The group reported that the protesters were arrested on May 17 in the village of Sugaer Jazeera, about 20 kilometres outside the city of Deir al-Zur. Between 16 and 20 arrests were made during what the organisation said was a peaceful protest against high unemployment, low incomes and rising costs – particularly the price of kerosene.



While some of those detained were later released, six remained in custody and were not allowed to see their families. Four of the six are said to be students.



The human rights group called for the six to be released, and condemned what it called "the phenomenon of political arrests".