Human Rights Watch: action needed in Syria

Human Rights Watch Friday condemned the systemic abuse of civilians in Homs by Syrian government forces. Human Rights Watch urged the Arab League to suspend Syria's membership during a meeting Saturday and called on the United Nations Security Council to impose an embargo and sanctions against individuals responsible for violence in Syria. A 63-page report, "'We Live as in War': Crackdown on Protesters in the Governorate of Homs," is based on more than 110 interviews with victims and witnesses, and details abuse at the hands of Syrian forces, including the detainment and torture of civilians and unlawful killings of at least 587 residents in Homs and surrounding areas. "Homs is a microcosm of the Syrian government's brutality," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The Arab League needs to tell President [Bashar] Assad that violating their agreement has consequences, and that it now supports Security Council action to end the carnage." Human Rights Watch also suggested Syria be referred to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, saying at least 104 people have been killed in Homs since Nov. 2. Earlier this week, the United Nations estimated more than 3,500 civilians have been killed since anti-government demonstrations began in March.