Syrian Authorities Block Internet and Phones As Unrest Continues

Bashar al-Assad Addressing Nation (businessinsider.com)

Syrian authorities are reported to have blocked internet and phones in the areas where demonstrations against government broke out, in a attempt to put an end to what the regime in Damascus deems as an international conspiracy against Syria.

The regime has promised intense crackdown on demonstrators, and it moved its tanks toward the region of Banias, a coastal region where demonstrations started recently.

Blackouts were also reported in Daraa, the region where the first protests started in Syria a few weeks back.

A former judge and activist that was released from prison along with others under amnesty decreed by the government as a means to quiet the masses said that his phone was cut off.

Syrian Unrest (thejerusalemgiftshop.com)

About 5,000 people, women, children, and elderly have blocked a highway on Wednesday in the region of Banias, where one of Syria’s refineries is, and in Tartous, a coastal city.

They protest against the crackdown that has been claiming the lives of dozens so far, killed by the security forces.

Human Rights Watch report released on Tuesday say that at least 130 people were killed by the security forces since the unrest began almost a month ago.

The Interior Ministry slams Human Rights Watch’s report, saying that it was armed gangs that caused some people to be killed but that it is not the government who ordered the killings.

These armed groups, according to the same governmental sources, were being organized by foreign forces which are conspiring against their country.

In an address to the nation a few weeks back, Bashar al-Assad, president of Syria, said the reforms would take some time to be implemented, and blaimed the unrest on international conspiracy.