Beirut: Syrian activists called for a new wave of demonstrations on Tuesday to honour more than 80 people killed in a crackdown on anti-government protests that erupted nearly three weeks ago.
‘The Syrian Revolution 2011' Facebook page called for protests across the country for three days starting today, calling it ‘Martyrs Week'.
In focus: Unrest in the Middle East
By Tuesday, the page had garnered more than 105,000 fans.
President Bashar Al Assad has made a series of gestures toward reform in response to the growing cries for change, including sacking his cabinet and promising to set up committees to look into reform. However, protesters say the moves do not satisfy their demands for real change.
Meanwhile, the regime on Tuesday suspended all football matches in an apparent bid to discourage gatherings that could potentially turn into rallying points for anti-government protests.
Football ban
Taj Al Deen Fares, deputy head of Syria's football federation, shrugged off the controversy and said the decision had been taken to allow national, Olympic, youth and junior teams to "respond to other commitments."
In March 2004, deadly clashes between Syrian Kurds and security forces in the northeastern city of Qamishli began after a brawl between Kurdish and Arab supporters of rival soccer teams. The unrest later spread to the nearby cities of Hasaka and Aleppo. At least 25 people were killed and 100 injured in those clashes.
Also on Tuesday, a Syrian lawyer and human rights activist said authorities had released seven people arrested last month in different parts of the country.
Political prisoners freed
Khalil Matouk said among those released were two Kurds detained on March 12 and two activists who were among 32 detained during a March 16 sit-in outside the Interior Ministry.
Only one prisoner from the group of 32, Kamal Shaikho, is still in custody.
Human rights groups and witnesses say authorities have arrested hundreds of people since March 18 as the government tries to cut off the demonstrations.
