World

Syrian Gunmen Violently Beat Renowned Anti-Regime Cartoonist

Syrian Gunman Attack & Beat Cartoonist Ali Ferzat

Famed Syrian Cartoonist Ali Ferzat

BEIRUT (The Blaze/AP) — Syrian gunmen attacked a renowned anti-regime cartoonist early Thursday in Damascus and left him bleeding along the side of a road, human rights activists said.

Ali Ferzat, who is in his 60s, was hospitalized after passers-by found him “heavily beaten and physically abused,” said Omar Idilbi, a spokesman for the Local Coordination Committees, an activist group that helps organize and track the 5-month-old uprising in Syria. The Guardian has more details on the violent attack:

In the early hours of Thursday, masked men seized Ferzat on a Damascus street and forced him in to a van. He was held for several hours and beaten before being dumped, bleeding, on the capital’s Airport Road where he was found by passersby, activists said.

Ferzat had become increasingly critical of the regime and its brutal crackdown. He recently appeared on al-Arabiya television and his drawings were avidly followed by Syrians looking for some light relief.

Idilbi said security forces carried out the attack, although Rami Abdul-Rahman, head of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the identity of the attackers could not immediately be confirmed.

Syria has banned foreign journalists and restricted local coverage, making it difficult to confirm the details surrounding events like Ferzat’s attack during a time of great upheaval in the country.

Ferzat has said he had great hopes for President Bashar Assad when he became president in 2000, but in recent years he has become a vehement critic of the regime, particularly as the military launches a brutal crackdown on the country’s protest movement.

Ammar Abdulhamid, a US-based dissident and the son of the actor Mona Wasif, had the following to say about the capture and beating:

“Ferzat’s arrest is part of an intimidation campaign by security forces who have increasing leeway. At this stage fame may be more of a danger than a protection because the regime does not want any prominent figure to come to the fore and provide a public face for the revolution.”

The violence against Ferzat is symptomatic of the current climate in Syria. Human rights groups said Assad’s forces have killed more than 2,000 people since the uprising against his autocratic rule erupted in mid-March, touched off by the wave of revolutions sweeping the Arab world.

Activists said at least 11 people were killed on Wednesday, most of them in the central city of Homs. Despite these occurrences, Assad has shrugged off international condemnation and calls for him to step down, insisting that armed gang and thugs are driving the violence, not true reform-seekers.

The crackdown has led to broad international condemnation and sanctions, although French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday ruled out intervening in Syria without international backing.

“As for Syria, the conditions for a military intervention are not in place … France will not intervene without an international resolution. That’s the basis,” Sarkozy said during a news conference in Paris with Mahmoud Jibril, the head of Libya’s opposition government.

“That doesn’t mean that we can let the Syrian people get massacred by a regime that disqualifies itself from one day to the next,” he said.

Also Wednesday, the European Union imposed sanctions against an elite unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, saying the Quds Force is providing equipment and other support to help Assad crush the revolt.

The sanctions broadened the international pressure against Syria by directly targeting its key ally Iran, which the U.S. and other nations have accused of aiding the crackdown.

The EU’s official journal, which published the statement, said the Quds Force “has provided technical assistance, equipment and support to the Syrian security services to repress civilian protest movements.”

Other new targets of the sanctions include several Syrian generals and close associates of Assad’s younger brother, Maher, who is believed to be in command of much of the crackdown. Hassan Turkmani, a former defense minister and special envoy for Bashar Assad, also was named.

The EU blacklist on Syria now contains 50 people and nine entities who face asset freezes and travel bans as punishment for one of the deadliest government crackdowns of the Arab Spring. Syria already is under broad sanctions from the U.S. and European countries, but calls for stricter measures have been on the rise.

Despite the harsh words, the Syrian crackdown continued. Tanks stormed the eastern city of Deir el-Zour and made sweeping arrests there Wednesday, according to Syrian activists. Deir el-Zour is an oil-rich but impoverished region known for its well-armed clans and tribes whose ties extend across eastern Syria and into Iraq.

On Tuesday, European nations and the U.S. circulated a draft U.N. Security Council resolution seeking an arms embargo and other sanctions.

While widespread witness accounts and amateur video footage describe a brutal crackdown by security forces, Syria’s state-run news agency says security forces are the real victims of gunmen and extremists.

Assad has exploited fears of chaos in Syria, with the regime portraying him as the only man who can guarantee peace in a country with a potentially volatile mix of religious groups.

The opposition, however, says the protest movement is free of sectarian overtones and is simply demanding freedom and democracy. The opposition took steps toward forming a national council Tuesday, but serious divisions have prevented them from presenting a unified front.

Comments (37)

  • johnj1952
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 1:41pm

    Is’nt islam a wonderful thing? NOT!

    Report Post » johnj1952  
  • gb2
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 3:33am

    every person here needs to wake up. this is all being done by the us gov, turkey, and muslim brotherhood, these are not protests for democracy and never were. this is a plan implemented in 2006 by the us gov. assay is telling the truth. and is being condemned for defending his country. this will be the beginning of the end. here is an article full of facts….. just goes to show you that even fox news is working for the gov spin machine. don’t believe any major media.. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1108/S00289/the-pentagons-salvador-option-death-squads-in-iraq-syria.htm

    Report Post »  
  • georgiavietvet
    Posted on August 26, 2011 at 12:19am

    ahhh the religion of peace and love. but i’m not sure that religion has anything to do with this. it’s just a thug dictator trying to hold on to his power. if he is sucsessful it will be more of the same. if he should be deposed, the ***** brotherhood will move in and sharia law will take over administered by ***** thugs. so the syrian people loose either way…………………………………..

    Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:58pm

    They broke his hands… smashed them. Union thug tactics.

    Report Post »  
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 7:31pm

    “Renowned” or notorious? a certain reminder that Freedom isn’t free – there are those that pay the price.

    and in spite of everything – Libya is a perfect example of the reason for citizens to be armed.

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
  • Liberalismsamentaldisorder
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 12:55pm

    ahhh the religion of peace strikes again.

    Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 6:27pm

      are u people stupid ? wtf did you expect, assad is fighting for his life!lucky this guy is alive…

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 11:10am

    Is it possible to beat someone non violently?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 11:22am

      Only if it is not classified as a “Hate Crime”.

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • Liberalismsamentaldisorder
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 12:57pm

      yes, if the victim is a white, straight, Christian male, you can’t possibly commit a crime against them. Ask Holder, he’ll confirm this.

      Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 3:26pm

      The closest think is bitch slapping I guess. It’s sort of non-violent.

      Report Post »  
  • Perspective
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 11:00am

    Rule by democracy is Rule by Mob. There’s a reason the USA is a Republic.

    Report Post » Perspective  
    • Liberalismsamentaldisorder
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 12:58pm

      yes, yes, yes, this is why making every decision revolve around a poll is tearing our republic apart.

      Report Post »  
    • Spqr1
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 4:53pm

      So, you don’t believe in universal suffrage? Shall we take your vote away first?

      Report Post »  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 10:58am

    Don’t ever tell the truth it will get you beat up. Peaceful Muslims where did that term come from?
    And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” History worth repeating.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • jcizarter
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 10:46am

    If we get Four More (FO MO) years of Yobamma, this will be coming to a neighborhood near you!
    They already send the message: Stop spreading facts and truth!

    Take the political test http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz

    Report Post » jcizarter  
  • Justus39
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 10:34am

    These people love to use Union Tactics I see!

    Report Post »  
  • don young
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 10:30am

    If they belived in GOD this would not happen this is what happens whenyou are brainwashed from birth.

    Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 9:41am

    I know the Syrian regime is a bunch of armed goons but who is the opposition? If they are like the other “arab spring” revolutionaries in Egypt and Libya.,then they are nothing but Islamofascist radicals. So…who cares what happens to either side.

    Report Post »  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 10:31am

      Great point! They obviously are not the minute men of old. These totalitarian regimes never learn. Their hold on power is only possible through terrorizing the people. Hopefully enough people live in fear of going to jail, getting beat and tortured that they do not act out. In this case, the opposition is some brave hombres. I can only hope that when our government goes south, that we have such courage to stand against the tyranny that will result.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:54pm

      It happens about every 30 to 40 or so years…I believe it is the way they get their hope and change…sort of a violent vote…after it settles out…they will hand out money and it will start all over again in about 40 years. JIMHO

      Their problem is, they can’t separate their religion from their everyday life. The only nation in the middle east that is like us is Israel…they even have Arabs in their Parliament. You won’t see a christian or a Jew in the Arab parliament.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 9:31am

    This is what democracy looks like….
    Let’s send Bawney Fwank over there to straighten them ouy.

    Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 9:45am

      That’s

      ” straighten them, oy.”

      But there are no gay‘s in Muslim country’s.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 9:16am

    Democracy is spreading all through the middle east,all the violence and death that’s what democracy looks like.They’ll be sharpening their swords for all the heads that will need to be loped off,that shariah law the barbarians are so in awe of,enjoy, sounds like you lunatics will have tons of fun.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • lel2007
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 9:06am

    Violently Beat ??? As opposed to a gentle beating ?

    Report Post » lel2007  
  • hamburgerdude
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 9:05am

    Hey, is that Geraldo Rivera?

    Report Post »  
  • windycitywoman
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:56am

    Hello Beck friends! I have started a prayer group for Glenn and his endeavors on educating our youth and his mission on Israel. This group also posts news articles and videos on topics Glenn has covered on his show. Many others and I are members of GBTV and will be discussing his show daily and posting what he shares on the Internet. This is a great way to stay in the loop if you do not have GBTV!. We also do wonderful fast and prayers on Wednesdays for our country. If you are a “like minded” Christian, Conservative Glenn Beck fan please join us (300 of us and growing rapidly and without the TROLLS)! Find me on Facebook under Sharon Grek Papucci and send me a friend request! Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers.” -Sidlow Baxter

    windycitywoman  
  • MARCH4HIM
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:44am

    Muslim comedy doesn’t play well these days …but Christian or Tea Party , its open season

    Report Post » MARCH4HIM  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:56am

      Yeah, because were mostly blue eyed white middle aged men and we deserve it for all past atrocities..Pfffft ….

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • cessna152
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 9:07am

      I was thinking the same thing. Christians, Jews and Conservatives are getting “hammered” and yet we stay focused on God and continue to help those in need. I guess EVIL tries to slander and lie about the truth, which is God. Same old stuff, the devil has been using it for thousands of years… the truth is obvious to those who know it but not to those who don’t.

      Report Post » cessna152  
  • CanDan
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:30am

    very dangerous being cartoonist or comedian these days

    Report Post »  
  • fiorgael
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:25am

    It is not often espoused, but the observation that might makes right seems to follow. Beat up the critic, threaten the humorists and they will cease their exposure of the truth. (or certainly their point of view)

    Report Post » fiorgael  
  • joe conservative
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:24am

    It seems that these radicals are more threatened by cartoonists than anything. They are completely obsessed with cartoons. Lol. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKZhaEFA1Yk

    Report Post » joe conservative  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:56am

      That’s because they have their sense of humor surgically removed shortly after birth.

      Report Post »  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on August 25, 2011 at 8:20am

    This is what democracy looks like.
    Alway remember what ben Franklin said.
    Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on
    what to have for lunch. A REPUBLIC is a well armed lamb contesting the results.

    Report Post »  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 11:26am

      Excellent Post. Hope some take it to heart and THINK!

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • brickmoon
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 7:21pm

      Agree, it’s an excellent analogy, but apparently misattributed. A search turns up the possibility that Franklin said something similar, but the word “lunch” wasn’t around until after his death.

      Part of another variation that I thought was also pretty good:

      Freedom: Two very hungry wolves looking for dinner and finding a very
      well-informed and well-armed sheep.

      Report Post » brickmoon  

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