Death toll in Syrian protests reaches 32April 9, 2011 - 11:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian security forces opened fire on tens of thousands of protesters in the city of Darra, killing 25 and wounding hundreds, witnesses said. State-run TV said 19 policemen and members of the security forces were killed when gunmen opened fire on them, the first significant claim of casualties by the Syrian government. The protests were in response to calls by organizers to take to the streets every Friday to demand change in one of the most rigid nations in the Middle East. Marches were held across the country. At least 32 protesters were killed nationwide, according to human rights activists. Amnesty International said the death toll from three weeks of protest now exceeds 170, according to AP. The calls for reform have shaken the regime of President Bashar Assad, whose family has ruled Syria for more than 40 years. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |