http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: International Red Cross) en-us Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:23:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/guantanamo-bay-red-cross-chief-slams-untenable-blockage-of-prisons-closure?start=0 The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross has urged US president Barack Obama to do more to help the detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Peter Maurer highlighted the issue of force-feeding inmates who are currently on a mass hunger strike. Rights activists across the US have been demanding the closure of the facility. The hunger strike has once again raised the issue of Obama's commitment to shutting down the detention centre. Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan has more from Washington. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:23:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/guantanamo-bay-red-cross-chief-slams-untenable-blockage-of-prisons-closure Guantánamo Bay hunger strikes, Guantanamo Bay detention camp, Peter Maurer, Hunger strike, International Red Cross, Indefinite detention, Barack Obama, Force-feeding, Guantánamo Bay, Detention The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross has urged US president Barack Obama to do more to help the detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Peter Maurer highlighted the issue of force-feeding inmates who are currently on a mass hunger strike. Rights activists across the US have been demanding the closure of the facility. The hunger strike has once again raised the issue of Obama's commitment to shutting down the detention centre. Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan has more from Washington. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312?start=399 <p>Mauritanian parliament convenes amid presidential power vacuum, Taliban resumes peace talks with US as attacks on NATO troops surge in Afghanistan, a look back at Yasser Arafat's legacy as investigation into his death continues, and more.</p> Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312 Syrian Civil War, Taliban, United States, Palestinians, Israel, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Ra's al-'Ayn, Arab League IBA reports that it was quiet in the Golan Heights following Israeli retaliatory fire after Syrian mortars fell on Israeli territory over the past two days. Officers of the Northern Command said that they do not expect further flare-ups, but the troops remained on high alert just in case. Along Syria's northern border with Turkey, at least one person was killed and several wounded when Syrian fighter jets hit the town of Ras al-Ain, which Syrian government forces lost to the rebels last week. Meanwhile, at a meeting with Arab League ministers in Cairo, European Union policy chief Catherine Ashton and UK Foreign Minister William Hague welcomed the formation of the new Syrian opposition coalition. The International Red Cross organization also announced that 2.5 million Syrians have been uprooted from their homes due to the war. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212?start=1383 <p>Jewish extremists storm Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque, Somalia's al-Shabab claims responsibility for blasts in "liberated" Kismayo, Iranian rial falls to all-time low as Western sanctions take hold, and more.</p> Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212 Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Mahmoud Abbas, Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Muslim, United States, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Kismayo Presenter, Male #1 Freed prisoner Mahmoud al-Sarsak, who received an official invitation from the Barcelona club to attend the Spanish Clasico game next week, announced that he rejected the invitation after it was confirmed that Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will be attending the game. Reporter, Male #2 The continuing influx of solidarity activists at the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza every week is gaining momentum in the media, as well as at the popular and official levels. The latest development was the attendance by representatives of the legislative council at the weekly sit-in with the prisoners' families. Guest, Male #3 (Ashraf Jomaa, Palestinian Legislative Council Member) Today marks the launch of our "Victory, Freedom, and Hope" mobilization to support the resistance of our courageous prisoners. This will take place locally, regionally, and internationally. We at the committee will do everything we can to help the prisoners' families and relatives. Reporter, Male #2 Here, the freed prisoner Mahmoud al-Sarsak determined his stance over the Barcelona club's invitation to attend the Clasico. He rejected the invitation in form and content, after the club insisted that Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit would attend, urging the international organization to stop equating the victim and the oppressor. Guest, Male #4 (Mahmoud al-Sarsak, Freed Prisoner) I apologize to the fans and the administration of the Catalonian club for not attending or participating, for the following reason. Inviting Gilad Shalit to attend is equating the Zionist oppressor with the Palestinian victim. And therefore, I will not attend. There is a big difference between arresting a soldier from inside his tank who wears a military uniform, holds a rifle, and kills defenseless innocents, and arresting a soccer player at the Beit Hanoun military checkpoint. Reporter, Male #2 Others felt the raging fire in the hearts of the prisoners' families, and vowed to attend sit-in circles to express their solidarity. Because of their belief in their just cause, they will assuredly continue down this path until the dawn of freedom shines. Guest, Female #1 (Haya Asaad, Solidarity Activist) I am in solidarity with our prisoners. The prisoners of Palestine, and our female activists, our sisters, daughters. They are our brothers and sisters. Even if I am not related to any prisoners, we are still brothers and sisters. We must all look out for each other and stay in solidarity with each other until this case ends, and until the sun of freedom shines on every prisoner. Reporter, Male #2 This act of solidarity is growing with the growing prisoners' resistance inside the occupation's prisons. This site has become a meeting place for resistance, for the prisoners' relatives and for those who are concerned about the case. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090412?start=226 Chief of the International Red Cross, Peter Maurer, met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus to help facilitate aid delivery, reports BBC Arabic. Meanwhile, the day's death toll rose to 74, with most people killed in the countryside of Damascus. Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090412 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Benjamin Netanyahu, Syria, Barack Obama, Human rights in Bahrain, Islam in the United States, African Union, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Amarnath Temple Presenter, Male #1 The Local Coordination Committees in Syria reported the death toll rose to 74 today with most people killed in the countryside of Damascus. In al-Rastan, a new group of officers announced their defection from the regime; they said they joined the Salaheddine brigade. Meanwhile, regime forces continued to shell several areas in Aleppo, Deir az-Zour, Taftanaz in Idlib, and the neighborhood of al-Khalidiya in Homs. Reporter, Male #1 The newest development in the military operations is that each side announced control over the other's military sites. Syrian media outlets confirmed that regime forces control large areas in the city of Aleppo, especially around Saif al-Dawla. The Syrian television broadcast live reports and interviews with soldiers from the area. Guest, Male #3 Since this morning, our brave forces were able to conduct a unique operation to cleanse the area, in the eastern section of Saif al-Dawla, and they were able to eliminate the gunmen in the section of al-Mall al-Sharqi and its surroundings. The forces were able to expel and kill them. Reporter, Male #2 In the neighborhood of Meyasar in Aleppo, the shelling resulted in the destruction of several buildings. Activists uploaded pictures online showing how the rubble is being lifted with basic equipment, in search of survivors. Reporter, Male #2 In Deir az-Zour, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that the armed opposition seized control of the military security department in the city, after violent clashes with the site's security and regime forces, which led to a number of deaths. The Local Coordination Committees spoke about heavy and violent artillery shelling on the neighborhoods of the city, at a rate of one bomb every two minutes. Smoke columns rose from different parts of the residential neighborhoods. Reporter, Male #2 In al-Hay al-Gharbi in Idlib, activists reported that opposition forces were able to control the checkpoint set up at the entrance of the neighborhood, and capture the soldiers that were manning it. Reporter, Male #2 In the neighborhood of al-Mazza in Damascus, activists noted heavy security deployment to the villas. As for Deir al-Asafeer in the countryside of Damascus, the Local Committees reported that the city was besieged from four directions, with tank and mortar shelling of homes and farms, amid a state of displacement, terror, and panic among the residents. Tank and mortar shelling also continued in the town of Zibdin. In Taftanaz, opposition forces continue to shell the military airport, which led helicopters to make emergency landings, according to activists who uploaded pictures of the airport and the landing. Reporter, Male #2 In Latakia, doctor Ramy Habib spoke about the critical conditions that are making it difficult for doctors to treat patients, who are dying due a lack of first aid material and the large-scale number of people going to the field clinics. Guest, Male #4 (Ramy Habib, Doctor) The equipment that we have at the field clinics are simple equipment that we use to save the patient, to stop hemorrhage, and to treat critical wounds. Reporter, Male #2 Activists also circulated pictures of explosive devices detonated with mechanisms from the Syrian army. In Homs, it was reported that the shelling is continuing over the neighborhoods of the city, predominantly in al-Qusair, al-Rastan, Baba Amr, and al-Khalidiya, and that the shelling reached 12 neighborhoods amid bad health and living conditions. The neighborhoods lack food and energy sources. In another part of Homs, Local Committees started to clean the streets of the city in Talbisa and neighboring areas, from the effects of the shelling, ruins, and destruction. Reporter, Male #2 Activists uploaded pictures of youth groups that took it upon themselves to fulfill these responsibilities to protect public health and safety, as demonstrations continued. Essam Abdallah, BBC. Presenter, Male #1 Chief of the International Red Cross, Peter Maurer, met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. His visit aims to facilitate the process of delivering aid to the Syrian areas affected by the military operations. The Syrian president said that he welcomes the work of the Red Cross in Syria, for as long as it operates in an unbiased way, according to the Official Syrian News Agency, SANA. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-july-16-2012?start=89 A new US government report finds much of the American taxpayer money used for Iraq's reconstruction has likely been squandered. And at the Green Party's 2012 National Convention in Baltimore over the weekend, keynote speaker Gar Alperovitz made the case for third-party politics to challenge a corporate-run society. Plus headlines, and more.<br /> Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:44:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-july-16-2012 Iraq War, US-Iraq relations, United States, Iraq, Syrian Civil War, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, Green Party (United States), Syria, Oil reserves in Iraq, Gar Alperovitz The Syrian capital of Damascus is seeing some its heaviest fighting to date since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad erupted over a year ago. Heavy weaponry including tanks and mortar fire has reportedly been used in areas to the city's south. The intensified clashes have prompted the International Committee of the Red Cross to join the United Nations in describing the conflict in Syria as a "civil war." The Red Cross had previously kept its assessment to a handful of flashpoint areas but now says the violence is nationwide. The U.N. observer mission has confirmed heavy weaponry was used last week in the village of Tremseh, where pro-Assad forces were accused of massacring more than 100 civilians. U.N. spokesperson Sausan Ghosheh announced the observers' findings earlier today. Sausan Ghosheh: "In this attack there was a use of heavy weapons on population centers. Our, our observers confirmed the use of direct and indirect weapons including artillery, mortar shells and small arms. And the count of 27 eye witnesses that we interviewed, the consistent account all indicated that the attack started at five o'clock in the morning by shelling and then ground forces went in." The Assad regime has denied carrying out a massacre in Tremseh, claiming it killed it anti-government rebels. Annan in Russia as U.S. Calls for New Security Council Pressure on Syria The U.N.-Arab League peace envoy Kofi Annan is headed to Moscow for talks on a new Security Council response to the ongoing violence in Syria. Speaking during a visit to Lebanon, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns called for new pressure on the Assad regime. William Burns: "We need to act now through a new U.N. Security Council resolution in New York, which carries consequences for the Syrian regime's continuing and violent non-compliance with its obligation. It is long past time to begin a democratic transition to a post-Assad Syria, to a future that reflects the legitimate aspirations of the brave and determined Syrian people." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612?start=35 Israeli authorities allowed a limited number of relatives of Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip to visit for the first time in seven years, Al Jazeera reports. The Red Cross transported prisoners' relatives to Ramon Prison in the Negev Desert. Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612 Syrian Civil War, International Red Cross, Israel, Hillary Clinton, Syria, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, US-Israel relations, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, US-Pakistan relations Presenter, Female #1 Israeli occupation authorities allowed a limited number of relatives of Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip to visit their children for the first time in seven years. Presenter, Male #1 The International Committee of the Red Cross transported dozens of the prisoners' relatives to Ramon Prison in the Negev Desert, where their children are languishing. The visit is the first in over seven years. Presenter, Female #1 The visit comes in accordance with an agreement between the Israeli Prison Service and the prisoners to end their last hunger strike. Reporter, Male #2 This woman is counting down the minutes and seconds to a meeting she's long awaited. She will see her husband, even if from behind bars. It is the visit that the prisoners' relatives have been deprived of for several years under Israel's orders. For her daughter, the issue is a little different. She was an infant when her father was arrested 22 years ago. And today, she is older. She has since gotten married, but has not seen him. Guest, Female #2 (Prisoner Mohamed Nashbat's Daughter) We were happy, and I was happy that they are finally allowing us to visit. But at the same time I was sad; I mean, why aren't we allowed to visit? I am the prisoner's daughter and I have a right to see him; I last saw him eight years ago. Guest, Female #3 I've never been allowed to visit. Reporter, Male #2 Hajja Um Ibrahim Barood has a different story. She has been prevented from visiting her son for 15 years, under the pretext of security. Today, the visit brought Um Ibrahim great joy. Guest, Female #3 (Prisoner Ibrahim Barood's Mother) How can I describe it to you? I can't believe that I will see him. I want to hug him, but sadly there is no way for me to hug him and greet him. There is no way for my hand to touch him; I can't hold his hand. I can't touch him and he can't touch me. Reporter, Male #2 At dawn, the prisoners' relatives who were allowed to visit were waiting at the International Red Cross headquarters in Gaza. Guest, Female #4 I am very very happy that I can see my son. Very happy! But my happiness is not complete, because my children are not with me. Reporter, Male #2 Under the pretext that the visit is a pilot, it was subjected to Israel's strict conditions. Regardless, the Red Cross and the prisoners' relatives hope the visits will continue, and include all Palestinian prisoners. Guest, Male #3 (Ayman Shehabi, International Committee of the Red Cross Spokesman in Gaza) We hope that it includes all prisoners in the Israeli prisons, and that visits are permitted to all families. Reporter, Male #2 Today's visit is an incomplete step, but it is headed in the right direction. A step that shows that the prisoners and their families have a long path to attaining their legitimate rights, most notably the right to freedom. Wael al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeera, Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612?start=418 <p>Israel starts "pilot" prison visits from Gaza relatives for first time in seven years, Lavrov accuses West of blackmailing Russia over Syria, anti-NATO sentiment continues to grow in Pakistan, and more.</p> Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612 Syrian Civil War, International Red Cross, Israel, Hillary Clinton, Syria, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, US-Israel relations, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, US-Pakistan relations Presenter, Male #1 Syria's Local Coordination Committees said 44 civilians were killed today by Syrian security forces in different cities. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights clarified that clashes are taking place in some regions and neighborhoods in Damascus, especially in al-Midan, where armored vehicles were deployed for the first time. On the other hand, the official Syrian news agency SANA said government forces caused losses within the ranks of a terrorist group in Deir az-Zour. Reporter, Male #2 Syrian television said it was providing this live coverage from the neighborhood of al-Midan in Damascus. The neighborhood looks deserted amid the presence of security forces. The government's television and the regime's supporters accuse the media of fabricating the news. They say the shelling of the neighborhoods of the city of Damascus that was reported by sources of the opposition's activists never happened. Reporter, Male #2 According to Syria's official news agency SANA, a group of gunmen fled the neighborhood of al-Tadamon on Sunday, and security forces chased them. Of course, the official story has generally stayed the same over the long months of the uprising. The official media's accusation that malicious satellite TV channels are partly responsible for Syrian bloodshed is a chorus repeated by the regime's supporters. Reporter, Male #2 In this framework, Syrian media spoke of the coverage of the unconfirmed defection of General Rustom Ghazaleh, a leader in the Syrian military intelligence. Syrian channel al-Dunya reported that Ghazaleh was quick to confirm his loyalty to the political leadership, and denied that some of his family members sought refuge in Jordan. Activists had posted clips online saying they depict al-Ghazaleh's brother-in-law. Reporter, Male #2 The Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman's version of the story on the events in al-Tremseh in Hama's countryside, and specifically in relation to the use of heavy weapons, was contradicted by the international observers' delegation. Guest, Female #1 (Sausan Ghosheh, Spokeswoman for UN Mission in Syria) In this attack, there was use of heavy weapons on residential areas. The observers confirmed that weapons were used directly and indirectly, including artillery and mortars. Reporter, Male #2 The opposition accused government forces of using heavy weapons to target neighborhoods in the city of Hama on Monday. They posted images online to confirm their claim. Reporter, Male #2 Clashes were reportedly ongoing between the opposition's fighters and government forces in some parts of the capital amid an intensive security deployment in many parts of the countryside of Damascus. The bombardment and clashes also reached the cities and towns of Homs, Idlib, Deir az-Zour, and Daraa provinces. Guest, Male #3 (Firas Hurani, High Revolutionary Military Council in Daraa) A group of honorable members and soldiers manning a checkpoint in the city of Sheikh Meskeen defected last night. Reporter, Male #2 The crisis in Syria is a civil war and a "non-international armed conflict," according to the International Committee of the Red Cross that made that same statement during the third month of the Libyan uprising. Reporter, Male #2 The scale and expansion of the clashes discussed by the committee will not be prevented with the continued protests in some parts of the country. Many participants have announced their support for the armed option to confront what they consider the violence of the authorities. Wael al-Hajjar, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071012?start=920 Thousands of Pakistanis march against reopening of NATO supply routes, Sudan swears in "austerity cabinet" amid protests, Saudi security forces surround Eastern Province to prevent protests, and more.<br /> Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:26:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071012 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Nimr al-Nimr, Shia Islam, Saudi Arabia, Israel, US-Pakistan relations, 2011-2012 Sudanese protests, Syrian Civil War, Ehud Olmert, Palestinian prisoners in Israel Presenter, Male #1 The occupation's authorities are delaying allowing families from the Gaza Strip to visit their imprisoned children in the Israeli occupation's jails, as agreed to in the last prisoners' deal. Reporter, Male #2 Families of Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip are impatiently awaiting the resumption of the visitation program for their families. It has been stopped for over 6 years, following the capture of Israeli prisoner Gilad Shalit, who was released in an exchange deal signed last year. The prisoners' families presented the necessary documents and information to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which supervises the visitation program. Guest, Female #1 (Mother of Detainee Mohamed al-Agha) We, the families, are impatiently waiting for the Red Cross, or anyone, to inform us that we can visit. We were very happy to learn that we were being allowed to visit, but unfortunately, nobody knows when this will happen. We don't know, and the Red Cross doesn't know, and Ramadan is coming up, and we still haven't visited our children. We miss them. Reporter, Male #2 The occupation's prison administration continues to postpone the date set for the resumption of visits to family members held behind bars. This has caused growing fear and concern over the condition of the prisoners, especially amid the prison administration's failure to implement the articles of the agreement signed with the prisoners' movement last May, and its return to using repressive and abusive policies against the prisoners. Guest, Male #3 (Father of Detainee Ramez Barbakh) We are calling on the Red Cross and experts to allow us to visit our children. I am one of the people who hasn't visited my son in 10 years. I want to see him, even for 10 minutes. Guest, Female #2 (Mother of Detainee Alaa Abu Seta) We are calling on His Excellency the President to work hard to release our children. We have high hopes in God, then in President Abu Mazin. Reporter, Male #2 Despite the international committee's completion of all logistical measures, meetings and communication between the International Committee of the Red Cross and the administration of the occupation's prisons have not led to a set time for family visitations for the prisoners. It is a matter that many see as Israeli political blackmail, in the case of the detainees and prisoners. Guest, Female #3 (Arwa Mahana, Deputy Spokeswoman for the Red Cross in Gaza) We are very carefully and closely following up on the resumption of the visitation program for the families of prisoners from the Gaza Strip of their sons and relatives in Israeli prisons. Until now, no date has been set to resume the program, and we were not informed of a confirmed date by any side related to this matter. The minute we are officially informed, we will inform the concerned families of the time of the visit, and all details pertaining to logistic arrangements. Reporter, Male #2 The families of prisoners from the Gaza Strip who are in the occupation's jails, fear that their hopes to meet their relatives may fade due to Israeli obstinacy and arrogance, as they continue to deny humanitarian visits, and sever communication between family members. Mohamed Judah, Palestine TV, Gaza. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-devastating-landslide-destroys-three-villages-in-uganda?start=0 A deadly landslide in the Bududa district of Uganda buried three villages on Monday evening. Eighteen bodies have been recovered, but scores more are missing and hundreds have been left homeless after heavy rains caused the destruction. Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:03:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-devastating-landslide-destroys-three-villages-in-uganda Bududa District, Mount Elgon, Uganda, Landslide, Natural disaster, Rain, International Red Cross, Rescue, Raw video, Kenya Television Network A deadly landslide in the Bududa district of Uganda buried three villages on Monday evening. Eighteen bodies have been recovered, but scores more are missing and hundreds have been left homeless after heavy rains caused the destruction of three villages in an area close to the Kenyan border. Rescue efforts are continuing, but hopes of finding survivors buried under the mud and wreckage are slim. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062112?start=192 Jordan granted political asylum to the defected Syrian pilot Hassan Mari after his MiG-21 fighter jet landed in Mafraq Airport, BBC Arabic reports. Syrian TV had announced contact was lost with the warplane during a training mission in Daraa. Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062112 Syrian Civil War, Politics of Syria, Palestinians, Syria, Al-Qaeda, Israel, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel Presenter, Female #1 We start with today's most notable development on the Syrian scene, as Jordan granted political asylum to the defected Syrian pilot Hassan Mari, after his MiG-21 fighter jet landed in Mafraq Airport this morning. Syrian TV had announced contact was lost with the warplane during a training mission in Daraa. Activists said this is the first defection of an air force pilot with his plane since the uprising started. For its part, Syrian state news agency SANA said the pilot landed in Jordan by mistake. Presenter, Female #1 On the ground in Syria, the opposition Syrian Revolution's General Commission said 80 civilians were killed today as a result of the continuous shelling of a number of Syrian cities and towns; most of them died in Daraa and Homs. This comes as the spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross said the committee is cooperating with the Syrian Red Crescent in an attempt to evacuate and help people trapped in a number of neighborhoods in Homs due to the ongoing battles. However, human rights activists expressed fear that the injured could be mistreated if they were to be transferred to areas under the control of the Syrian government. Reporter, Male #1 The shelling of the city of Homs continues, hindering the evacuation of residents and the injured stranded in the city's neighborhoods. The International Committee of Red Cross announced it has received the approval of the government and the armed opposition to facilitate its mission of evacuating residents and delivering medical supplies. Reporter, Male #1 However, some information points to the difficulties that may delay the evacuation, such as the number of vehicles that will be allowed to enter, and the sites to which the injured will be transferred. Human rights activists are concerned that the injured could be mistreated if they are transferred to Syrian hospitals. Guest, Female #2 (Donatella Rovera, Amnesty International Adviser in London) People who were injured by the security forces, or people injured by firearms of the regime army, either during protests or clashes, when they are transferred to hospitals, they may face the risk of being arrested, and tortured if they are arrested. This happens routinely. I was in Aleppo recently. There were peaceful demonstrations, and the security forces and shabeha opened fire at these protests every day. The injured could not be transferred to hospitals because it would be dangerous for them. So they were treated in field hospitals. Reporter, Male #1 The situation in Syria is seeing a dangerous escalation. The cities and towns of Homs Province are enduring artillery shelling and ongoing fierce clashes between the opposition and government forces. The opposition said the countryside around Damascus, especially the city of Duma, was subjected to attacks and artillery shelling from government forces. Reporter, Male #1 In Daraa, opposition activists warned that what they referred to as "massacres" are being committed by the army and security forces in the city of Inkhil, and they also spoke of arrests and executions. Clashes and shelling were also reported in the regions of Hama, Aleppo, and Idlib. The Syrian government did not comment on these reports; however, its media outlets said two people they described as terrorists and four civilians were killed in a bombing carried out with a booby-trapped motorcycle in Aleppo. It also said gunmen targeted a cotton yarn factory in Hama. Wael Hajjar, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051012?start=589 <p><strong>WARNING: Graphic Content. </strong>Thousands of Mauritanians declare readiness to kick out President Aziz, devastating bombings hit the Syrian capital as the blame game continues, Algeria holds parliamentary elections amid voter apathy, and more.</p> Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051012 Israel, Bahrain Uprising, Bahrain, Hosni Mubarak, Egypt, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Damascus, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Arab Spring - duplicate Presenter, Female #1 Israeli occupation forces fired tear gas to disperse dozens of Palestinians who gathered in front of Ofer prison near Beitunia, west of Ramallah, to protest Israel's ongoing implementation of its administrative detention policy against Palestinian prisoners. Presenter, Male #1 A number of the prisoners' relatives challenged employees at the International Red Cross in the city of al-Bireh, and barred them from entering its headquarters to protest what they described as the negative position taken by the International Red Cross in regards to the case of prisoners on hunger strike. Reporter, Female #2 This has become a daily scene at the gate of Ofer military prison: occupation soldiers armed to the teeth. And this time, a bulldozer is brought to shut down the streets around the Beitunia commercial crossing, and two cars to spray foul-smelling wastewater mixed with chemicals at demonstrators. All this effort to repress a number of protestors standing in front of the gate in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike. Some of them joined the prisoners' relatives at the sit-in in front of the headquarters of the International Red Cross in the city of al-Bireh to protest what they described as the negative and biased role played by the international organization. Guest, Male #2 (Abu Thaer Halahla, Father of Prisoner on Hunger Strike for 72 Days) The Red Cross has to explain the case of our detainees inside the prisons. They have been unable to receive medical treatment, including some who are nearing death right now. Why is there this silence? Reporter, Female #2 And in solidarity with the prisoners, hundreds of school students, including students at the school of Nabi Saleh, west of Ramallah, went on a hunger strike for hours to support a number of their schoolmates who are behind bars. Guest, Male #3 We are standing today in solidarity with the prisoners, and our classmate Bahaa, who has been on a hunger strike in prison. They arrested him, and he's missing school right now. We joined their hunger strike today to tell them that we support them no matter what. Reporter, Female #1 As Thaer Halahla and Bilal Diab continue their hunger strike for the 72nd consecutive day, their health has deteriorated. Like hundreds of other prisoners, they insist on continuing their strike until their demands are met, most notably the demand to put an end to solitary confinement. Guest, Male #4 (Qaddoura Fares, Head of Palestinian Prisoners' Society) Israel's Prison Service has confiscated all the prisoners' possessions and belongings, and placed many of them in solitary confinement. It also transferred most of the hunger strikers from prison to prison with the goal of creating instability. But, despite all these oppressive conditions, the prisoners are determined to achieve the goals of their hunger strike. Reporter, Female #2 On the eve of the anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba, or catastrophe, the prisoners insist on continuing their battle until the end, even if it means death. As for those on the outside, they confirm this Nakba has not yet ended in light of Israel's continuing violations of all human rights, not to mention political and international rights. Jibal al-Buderi, Al Jazeera, from in front of Ofer military prison, west of occupied Ramallah. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050112?start=249 A number of Palestinians and a photojournalist were wounded during confrontations around Ofer Prison when Israeli forces dispersed a demonstration, Al Jazeera reports. Dozens took part in the march in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050112 Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, United Nations, US-Iran relations, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Bahrain Uprising, Drone, Syrian Civil War, Politics of Israel Presenter, Female #1 A number of Palestinians and a photojournalist were wounded with varying degrees of injury during confrontations around Ofer military prison when the occupation forces crushed a demonstration. Dozens took part in the march in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike, especially those whose health conditions have deteriorated and are described as very critical. Based on messages leaked from the prisons, human rights organizations confirmed that if the Israeli prison administration does not respond to the prisoners' demands, the strike will expand to include all prisoners. Reporter, Female #2 The occupation forces resented the solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strikes in the occupation's prisons. They also resented the rising voices of prisoners who were transferred to the hospital at al-Ramla prison. As soon as the peaceful march, which included dozens, arrived at the gate of Ofer military prison, the occupation soldiers began firing rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse the protestors. A number of them were wounded with various injuries. The march took off after a sit-in organized in front of the International Red Cross's bureau. During the sit-in, families of the prisoners called on the world to pressure Israel into responding to the prisoners' demands. In addition, they demanded the transfer of prisoners whose health conditions have deteriorated to specialized hospitals. Guest, Male #1 (Father of Two Prisoners Thaer and Shahir Halahla) His temperature rose to nearly 40 Celsius, and at 3 o'clock in the morning, he collapsed on the floor. Until eight o'clock, the Israeli doctor who was on call at the so-called hospital of al-Ramla prison was cursing at him and spitting on him. Reporter, Female #2 Human rights organizations confirmed that the situation inside the prisons, where more than 4,700 prisoners are held, is tense and on the verge of a storm, if the prison administration does not respond to their demands. Guest, Male #2 (Jawad Boulus, Lawyer in Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs) Those who have been on a hunger strike for over 50 days, such as Thaer Halahla, Bilal Diab, Omar Shallal, Hassan Safadi and al-Jaafar Azzedine, they are in a dangerous near-death situation. This is what the medical committee in the prisons says, and they are trying to put pressure on them. Reporter, Female #2 Palestinian factions have escalated their warning level to Israel to a threatening tone, in case any prisoner is severely hurt or even martyred. Meanwhile, the Palestinian president affirmed his readiness to take the steps to refer the prisoners' issue to the United Nations. The prisoners do not demand anything other than freedom and a life with dignity. If that is not achieved, then they demand to be dealt with as prisoners of war, and are trying to internationalize their cause. According to messages leaked from the prisons, their goal will only be achieved through unifying the internal fronts and mobilizing the Palestinian, Arab, and international masses. Jifal al-Budeir, Al Jazeera, in front of Ofer military prison, west of occupied Ramallah. http://news.linktv.org/videos/scenes-of-joy-as-colombia-guerillas-free-long-held-captives?start=0 Colombian FARC rebels have freed what it claimed were its last 10 military and police hostages. The president of Colombia hailed the move but said it was insufficient to start a peace dialogue. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:43:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/scenes-of-joy-as-colombia-guerillas-free-long-held-captives FARC, Colombia, Colombian Armed Conflict, Hostage, Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, Villavicencio, Peace talks, Colombian Army, Colombian National Police, President of Colombia Colombian FARC rebels have freed what it claimed were its last 10 military and police hostages. The president of Colombia hailed the move but said it was insufficient to start a peace dialogue. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040312?start=912 <p>Libya's Transitional Council struggles to end clashes between rival militias, Bahraini activist's life in danger after 55 days of hunger strike, France expels five Imams after Merah killings, and more.</p> Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040312 Iran, Palestinians, Israel, Syria, Israelis, Libya, Bahrain Uprising, Islamophobia, Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Tariq al-Hashemi Presenter, Male #1 The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said 27 people were killed in Syria today, most of them in Idlib province. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that clashes, raids, arrest campaigns, and the shelling continued in a number of Syrian areas. The province of Dara'a witnessed unprecedented clashes as the Free Syrian Army escalated its operations against the regime's army. Clashes broke out this morning between regime forces and armed groups of defectors in the countryside of Damascus. This comes as Damascus agreed to receive the UN delegation of observers and allowed the Red Cross to distribute humanitarian aid in the disaster-stricken areas. Reporter, Male #2 Even though Damascus agreed to receive a UN delegation, its forces continued their military operations, particularly in the regions of Homs, Idlib, Damascus and Dara'a. Violent confrontations are ongoing in these regions between the regime's army and members of the Free Syrian Army. Damascus, which agreed to Annan's plan, says what it refers to as "armed terrorist groups" are militarily superior to its army, and that the regime is attempting to eliminate these groups to restore security and stability to the country. Guest, Male #3 (Sharif Shahadah, Writer and Journalist in Damascus) In the regions where gunmen are present, we know they have weapons that are superior to those of the Syrian army. And we saw that on Syrian TV. Some areas, like Baba Amr, are now witnessing the army's withdrawal. Other regions are also seeing the army's withdrawal, including some areas in the countryside of Dara'a and the countryside of Damascus. Guest, Male #4 (Rami Abdul Rahman, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Director in Coventry) I believe spokesman Shehadeh said there are ongoing withdrawals. But the military operations are still ongoing in the city of Homs. There is also shelling in al-Bayada and heavy machinegun fire in Deir Ba'alba. In Dara'a, there are military operations in Dael and other areas. Burning houses has now become a widely-used practice in Syria. Reporter, Male #2 Politically, Damascus received the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross Jakob Kellenberger to discuss delivering humanitarian aid to the disaster-stricken areas, after reports indicated a humanitarian catastrophe is looming in these regions. Human rights advocates and observers of Syrian affairs welcomed the decision, and the approval of the Annan plan, demanding that all parties cooperate to implement it. Guest, Male #4 The regime and some opposition figures should not fight the Kofi Annan plan. The Kofi Annan plan can transform Syria into a democratic country through peaceful means. Reporter, Male #2 Clashes, bombardments, raids, and arrests continued as the regime deployed additional forces to al-Zabadani in the countryside of Damascus, which saw fierce clashes this morning. Activists say the Dael area of Dara'a is witnessing an unprecedented escalation of military operations. Guest, Male #5 (Mahmoud Said, Local Coordination Committee Representative in Dara'a) Information was leaked that the regime's army is determined to storm the area and eliminate the Free Syrian Army. It is being said that they will accomplish that goal with chemical weapons. This is the news we received. Reporter, Male #2 The shelling continued in Idlib province, leading to the death of civilians and members of the regime army and the Free Army. In addition, activists say the regime's army continues to burn houses. According to activists, the army's raids, arrest campaigns, and destruction of homes continue in the province of Hama. As for Homs, where at least five civilians were killed, the shelling continued in the neighborhoods of al-Bayada, al-Khadiliya and Deir Ba'alba. Guest, Male #6 They are shelling us with mortar shells, RPG rockets and mortars, and missiles. Reporter, Male #2 The city of Rastan in Idlib province also endured fierce shelling. Developments continue on the ground, awaiting the implementation of the ceasefire plan. However, the protesting street continues its peaceful demonstrations demanding the downfall of the regime. At the same time, the regime continues to carry out arbitrary arrests and repress peaceful protests. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/anatomy-of-a-disaster?start=0 What happens during the first hours, days, weeks, and months following a major disaster? How does help arrive after a big earthquake, tsunami, flood, or storm? And how is aid money raised? AlertNet has the answers. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:25:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/anatomy-of-a-disaster Natural disaster, Disaster recovery, Disaster area, International Red Cross, Tsunami, Earthquake, Flood, Famine, Drought, United Nations What happens during the first hours, days, weeks, and months following a major disaster? How does help arrive after a big earthquake, tsunami, flood, or storm? And how is aid money raised? AlertNet has the answers. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030712?start=833 United Nations humanitarian chief Valerie Amos held talks in the Syrian capital before visiting Homs, Future TV reports. Meanwhile, demonstrations were held in Damascus' al-Abaseyeen Square, and Assad's brigades killed over 40 in Idlib. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030712 Hunger strike, Palestinians, Israel, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Car bomb, Prisoners' rights, Jordan, National Transitional Council, International Women's Day, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia Presenter, Male #1 Local Coordination Committees in Syria announced the death of 40 people by the gunfire of al-Assad's brigades, most of them in Idlib. Demonstrations against the Assad regime were held last night in a number of the Syrian capital's regions. Most notable was the protest in al-Abaseyeen Square, the second most important public square in central Damascus. At the same time, the United Nations' humanitarian chief held talks in the Syrian capital before visiting Homs, while the International Committee of the Red Cross said a Syrian Red Crescent team entered the neighborhood of Baba Amr today, and revealed that most residents had left. Reporter, Male #2 The Assad killing regime was not content by merely cracking down on peaceful protests, murdering, and displacing people, but is spreading a culture of destruction to every area it enters. In the latest development of the Assad brigades' oppressive mobilization, dozens of tanks, troop carriers, and military forces were moved from Latakia to the city of Saraqeb in Idlib, which will soon be subjected to all forms of violence. Reporter, Male #2 And despite the destruction carried out by the Syrian security forces and the shabeha during their arrest campaigns and raids of residential areas, they also steal from stores and homes. They destroy personal proprieties and cars as revenge operations against those demanding freedom. According to testimonies by local residents, al-Assad's shabeha stormed the neighborhood of al-Qaboun in Damascus and arrested a number of activists. They also set up checkpoints and searched passers-by. Local Coordination Committees said al-Assad's forces detained 30 hostages in Ein Larouz in the Jabal al-Zawiya area, threatening to execute them unless three defectors returned to the forces. And in Aleppo, al-Assad's brigades launched a campaign of home raids and arrests, as heavy gunfire was reported and heard from the area of Furn al-Taqwa. Reporter, Male #2 This, as the International Committee of the Red Cross said a Syrian Arab Red Crescent team entered the neighborhood of Baba Amr. The team said the neighborhood is destroyed, and most of its residents have indeed left to other regions. On the other hand, the Syrian Revolution's General Commission reported that al-Assad's brigades committed a new massacre in Homs. Seven young men from the same family were killed in the area of Bassatin Baba Amr. Reporter, Male #2 Meanwhile, United Nations humanitarian chief Valerie Amos met with Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, then headed to Homs. Al-Muallem confirmed that Syria is committed to cooperating with the UN humanitarian agency, provided it respects Syrian sovereignty and independence. As for Amos, she stressed the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and reject using the humanitarian aspect for political gains. Reporter, Male #2 Demonstrations were held in a number of Syrian cities and towns, most prominent of which was a night protest that reached, for the first time, al-Abaseyeen Square in central Damascus. The square witnessed an unprecedented security deployment after the protest. At the same time, defections from the Syrian army continue. Brigadier General Adnan Qassem Farzat announced his defection from the army, confirming he has joined opposition forces in rejection of the shelling of his town of al-Rastan. Guest, Male #3 I announce my defection from the Syrian military, and that I am joining the Free Syrian Arab Army. I informed some commanders that Rastan is being hit by artillery fire, and in spite of this, the bombardment continued violently. Houses have been destroyed and women and children have been killed. These are not the values of the Syrian army, and for this reason I am defecting. Reporter, Male #2 In Idlib, residents held funerals for yesterday's victims, killed by the gunfire of al-Assad's brigades. Mourners chanted that the revolution will continue until the departure of the Assad regime. http://news.linktv.org/videos/aid-convoy-enters-in-aftermath-of-homs-siege?start=0 The International Committee of the Red Cross is now attempting to enter the Syrian city of Homs. Seven truckloads of food and medical supplies are being delivered to Baba Amr by a joint convoy of the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:16:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/aid-convoy-enters-in-aftermath-of-homs-siege Siege of Homs, International Red Cross, Homs, Syrian Red Crescent, Syrian army, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Al Jazeera English The International Committee of the Red Cross is now in the Syrian city of Homs. Seven truckloads of food and medical supplies are being delivered to Baba Amr by a joint convoy of the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022812?start=846 In Syria, over 100 people were reportedly killed across different parts of the country, especially in the city of Homs, where Assad's brigades showered the Baba Amr neighborhood with a barrage of missiles and rockets, Future TV reports. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022812 Israel, Iran, Nuclear program of Iran, Gaza, Palestinians, Tehran, Saudi Arabia, Iranian legislative election, 2012, Yemen Uprising, Palestinian prisoners in Israel Presenter, Male #1 In Syria, over 100 people were reportedly killed across different parts of the country, including 20 killed in the violent artillery shelling of Halfaya in the countryside of Hama. In addition, close to 100 people were injured. In the city of Homs, Assad's brigades showered the Baba Amr neighborhood with a barrage of missiles and rockets. Reporter, Male #2 For 24 days, the city of Homs has been violently shelled, leading to additional deaths and injuries among women, men, and even children. The regime of Bashar al-Assad's killing and destruction machine is still using all warfare means, including missiles, rocket launchers, and artilleries. Activists say the brigades cold-bloodedly carried out a massacre against the residents of the neighborhood of Baba Amr as they were fleeing with their families to nearby villages. 64 men and youths were executed after being stopped by Assad forces at the Nuqaira checkpoint. At the same time, the Baba Fadmor neighborhood is witnessing violent shelling and heavy gunfire; in addition, security forces and the shabeha stormed the area. Commercial and residential areas near the Fad'ouz Roundabout were occupied, as large empty trucks entered the town of al-Giza, coinciding with the deployment of Assad's gangs alongside the main road in al-Mujanzarat. Reporter, Male #2 In the city of al-Rastan, indiscriminate artillery shelling was renewed as Syrian security forces attempted to storm the city from three directions, and the Free Syrian Army exerted efforts to resist them with the various means accessible to the members. Meanwhile, activists uploaded videos of al-Jouri Mosque in Homs being subjected to artillery fire from Assad's brigades. In a notable development, social networking sites circulated a video of an airplane belonging to the Syrian Air Force shelling two villages in Homs. In the countryside of Hama, Assad's brigades stormed the town of al-Khattab under heavy gunfire. The artillery shelling was renewed in the city of Halfaya for the fourth consecutive day. Reporter, Male #2 This comes as the International Committee of the Red Cross announced it entered Hama for the first time in over a month and distributed aid to around 12,000 people. It also delivered food and relief supplies to Homs and Idlib, indicating the Syrian Red Crescent needs better security conditions to distribute supplies. Ma'arat al-Na'aman and Sirmin in Idlib were not spared from the atrocities of the Syrian regime and its shabeha. They endured violent shelling, leading to wide-scale destruction of residential buildings. Reporter, Male #2 Meanwhile, Assad's brigades carried out raid and arrest campaigns in the countryside of Damascus and Dara'a, where violent clashes were reported between the brigades and the Free Syrian Army in the town of Da'el. Alongside these bloody developments on the ground, angry supporters of the Syrian opposition took to the streets of Syrian cities and towns to mark a new mobilization called "the Monday of loyalty for the children of Dara'a". Large protests were held in the capital Damascus, especially in Kfar Sousa; protesters chanted anti-regime slogans and demanded its downfall. A student demonstration was launched from a school in Souq el-Salheya, and was subjected to a violent attack by security forces and the shabeha; a number of students were arrested and injured. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022712?start=252 Over 89 percent of Syrian voters, constituting more than half of the country's eligible voters, approved the new constitution in a referendum, while Syria's main opposition body split along sectarian lines, BBC Arabic reports. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022712 Israel, Iran, Tear gas, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Nigerian Sharia conflict, Khartoum, Nuclear program of Iran, Vladimir Putin, Bahrain Uprising Presenter, Male #1 The Syrian Revolution's General Commission reported that 39 people were killed in the Syrian government forces' shelling of the cities of Homs and Idlib. The commission added that 28 people were injured in the shelling. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that its employees managed to enter the city of Hama for the first time in a month and distribute aid to nearly 12,000 people. This comes as the Syrian Interior Ministry announced that over 89 percent of the voters, constituting more than half of the country's eligible voters, approved the new constitution in a referendum yesterday. The Syrian interior minister said the referendum witnessed a large turnout despite the terrorist acts being carried out by armed terrorist groups and the media's incitement. Guest, Male #2 (Mohamed al-Shaar, Syrian Interior Minister) Congratulations to Syria for this significant achievement, and congratulations to our loyal people who accomplished this achievement with their patriotic awareness, and attention; their understanding of the extent of the conspiracy they are enduring, and their insistence to move forward in the path of comprehensive reform and modernization. Beloved Syria is witnessing both under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad. Thank you. Presenter, Male #1 Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani called on the international community to arm the Syrian opposition. In addition, he called on the Arab countries to take the initiative and provide a safe refuge for dissidents inside Syria. Presenter, Female #1 The Syrian National Council is under major pressure after over 20 of its members announced the formation of a new political action group they called "the Syrian Patriotic Group". The new group is headed by Haitham al-Maleh, a lawyer and former judge who resisted the rule of the Assad family since its inception in 1970. The new group issued a statement saying no satisfactory result has been achieved since the National Council was formed, and that the council has not been able to activate its executive offices, or even adopt the demands of the revolutionaries inside Syria. Reporter, Male #3 It is no longer a secret that the greatest predicament for the international community's dealing with the Syrian issue is the division within the Syrian opposition, and the substantial differences in their political positions, both related and unrelated to the Damascus regime. The idea to form an opposition national council, similar to Libya's, did not succeed in uniting Syria's opposition groups. The Syrian National Council was also unable to develop a political mobilization that reflects the pulse of the entire movement inside Syria. Since its establishment in October 2011, the Syrian National Council has been facing a series of partial collapses, tainting its credibility especially for the council's Arab and international backers. In addition, the lack of realistic and objective figures on the ground weakened its popular bases and reduced its influence over them. Reporter, Male #3 Perhaps French President Nicolas Sarkozy's statements several days ago best describe the difficulties the West is facing in providing means to support the opposition. He confirmed the revolution cannot be imported from the outside, and that the opposition is divided and does not represent all the Syrian people. And while active fundamental movements within the Syrian opposition distanced themselves from the National Council since the beginning, consecutive splits from the council had a great impact on the West and the Arab League's reluctance to give the council absolute power over other opposition groups. There are also essential disputes among the council's well-known figures, and no understanding with what is known as the Free Syrian Army. However, the most recent split by a number of seculars and Islamists caused a resounding echo due to the figures who led the split. Most notable are human rights activist Haitham al-Maleh and dissident Kamal al-Labwani, in addition to lawyer Catherine al-Talli, opposition operative with links to the Free Syrian Army Fawaz al-Tello, and Walid al-Bunni, responsible the council's foreign policy. The formation of the free Syrian Patriotic Action Group was officially announced; it will set up offices in parallel to those of the National Council, such as the office of public relations and foreign policy. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022112?start=1118 <p>Yemen votes for Saleh's ouster as violence erupts in the south, Palestinian baker held by Israel ends 66-day hunger strike, thousands of Afghans protest Quran-burning at US base, and more.</p> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022112 Syria, Syrian Civil War, Afghanistan, United States, Palestinians, Jordan, Iran, Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, US-Afghanistan relations, Politics of Afghanistan Presenter, Female #1 The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said 52 people were killed in Syria in the ongoing shelling of Homs and Idlib. Activists said a dire humanitarian situation prevails in most of Homs' neighborhoods. The International Committee of the Red Cross announced it is holding talks with the Syrian authorities to halt military operations so the organization can deliver humanitarian aid to the residents. The Syrian state news agency said a regime soldier was killed by armed groups in the Idlib region. Reporter, Male #1 These buildings used to be populated, and the markets used to be crowded. Now, they are in ruin. The streets are no longer bustling with life; only the sound of artilleries and gunshots can be heard, and only the scent of death can be smelled. People have stopped counting the number of days they've been shelled under siege. As for the number of bereaved families, it is rising daily. They hold funerals for their loved ones, and sometimes for entire families, according to activists. Those who are lucky enough to escape death with injuries can only be treated by field doctors with the most basic tools and medicine, if they're available. Guest, Male #2 He was severely injured in the chest. His chest bleeds as he breathes. There's nothing we can offer him. Reporter, Male #1 The International Committee of the Red Cross announced it is negotiating a ceasefire with the Syrian authorities to deliver humanitarian aid to Homs. The opposition views the city as disaster-stricken as a result of the siege and shelling; the same applies to other damaged areas surrounded by the Syrian security forces. Guest, Male # 3 (Hadi Abdullah, Syrian Revolution General Commission Member in Homs) Who is the Red Cross is negotiating with? That is the first issue. Second, we report to you the shelling Homs is witnessing every daily, and the videos prove that reality. Yes, the killing continues after the Russian veto. The shelling is coming from only one side, and that is the regime's side. There is no response by the Free Syrian Army. We informed you of that because we feared the implications. In turn, there is no need to negotiate with the other side. We can't even compare regime forces to the Free Syrian Army. So the Syrian regime is fully responsible for the Red Cross' inability to deliver its aid. Reporter, Male #1 In light of the Free Syrian Army's seizure of heavy military equipment such as tanks, defections are expanding, and more brigades are being formed under its banner every day. Clashes between the regime's army and the Free Army are ongoing in many areas around Damascus, Hama, Idlib, Homs, Aleppo, Dara'a and Deir az-Zour. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights releases daily figures of regime soldiers being killed in clashes with the Free Army's brigades. All this may be pointing to a military escalation in other parts of the country. As for Damascus, it is still accusing armed terrorist groups of receiving funds and weapons from foreign parties to destabilize the country. Guest, Male #3 (Hayyan Suleiman, Political Science Professor at Tishreen University) Syria has been subject to a global conspiracy against it for the past 11 months. There are still some criminal gangs carrying out the killings. Yesterday, I heard from brothers in Iraq, Lebanon and Turkey, and even the US, that al-Qaeda members were captured. Reporter, Male #1 The opposition says these images were taken in the Bab Amkar neighborhood of Damascus, showing a group of protesters shutting down the road with fire. The university campus in Aleppo is still witnessing demonstrations demanding freedom and the downfall of the regime. Security forces disperse the demonstrators by force, opening fire and arresting protesters. Guest, Male #4 A general strike dominates the city of Boukamal. Reporter, Male #1 As for other anti-regime regions that are not seeing protests, they are witnessing general strikes in an attempt to impose civil disobedience. Hayyan Waaqoub, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020112?start=1352 In the West Bank, the High Follow-up Committee organized a solidarity sit-in for prisoner Khadar Adnan, who has been on an open-ended hunger strike for 45 days in protest of the administration denying him the right to meet with his lawyer. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020112 Benjamin Netanyahu, Hunger strike, Ban Ki-moon, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian Parliamentary Election 2011-2012, Football in Egypt, Bahrain Uprising, Iranian Revolution Presenter, Male #1 The Palestinian Prisoners' Club said the occupation's prison administration informed the Club's lawyer that prisoner Khadar Adnan announced he will no longer drink fluids in protest of the administration denying him the right to meet with his lawyer. Earlier, the Ofer Court postponed the hearing about Khadar Adnan's administrative detention to today, Wednesday. In this context, the High Follow-up Committee for Prisoner Affairs organized a sit-in in solidarity with prisoner Khadar Adnan, who has been on an open-ended hunger strike for 45 days. Reporter, Female #1 In protest of the repressive practices and rights violations by the occupation's prison administration that prisoner Khadar Adnan has endured, the High Follow-up Committee for Prisoner Affairs organized a sit-in in front of the Red Cross headquarters in al-Bireh as Adnan began the 45th day of his open-ended hunger strike. A number of official figures and families of prisoners took part in the sit-in. Guest, Male #2 (Abbas Zaki, Member of Fatah's Central Committee) Right now, Khadar Adnan is standing like a beam of shining light with his 45-day hunger strike against this tyrannical Israeli policy that violates laws and human rights. Therefore, we must unite all our people in order to gain more momentum to fight for those who sacrificed their freedom for us. Guest, Male #3 (Essa Qaraqi'a, Minister of Prisoner Affairs) This sit-in is in solidarity with the prisoner who has been on a hunger strike for 45 days, Sheikh Khadar Adnan. Here in front of the International Red Cross, we send our greetings to the hunger striking prisoner and we hold the Israeli government responsible for his life and the deterioration of his health due to the hunger strike. Reporter, Female #1 Khadar's father sent a message to the whole world that everyone must immediately intervene in order to save the life of his dear son, especially since his health has been continuously deteriorating. Guest, Male #4 (Father of Khadar Adnan) I swear to God the Almighty, my son Khadar does not enjoy this hunger or thirst. He has a wife and children; he has a father and a mother. They need him back; they need their family member back. Guest, Male #5 (Amin Shuman, High Follow-Up Committee for Prisoner Affairs) We are by your side, by the side of all administrative detainees and all prisoners in solitary confinement. We came here today to protest in solidarity with our prisoners, the detained representatives in the occupation's prisons, the prisoners who are ill and old, and all the men and women behind these prisons' bars. Reporter, Female #1 Prisoner Khadar Adnan was arrested on December 17, 2011 without charge, which forced him to go on a hunger strike for 45 days in protest of the abuses he has endured in the executioners' basements and of his continued administrative detainment. Sara al-Abira, Palestine TV. Presenter, Male #1 In Tulkarem, families of prisoners condemned the repressive practices and measures taken by the prison authorities against their imprisoned family members. They threatened to escalate the protests against these practices. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101411?start=272 As the health of prisoners and detainees held in the occupation's prisons deteriorates on the 17th consecutive day of their hunger strike, the number of citizens in Gaza's protest tent grows as an expression of their solidarity to the just demands of the prisoners. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101411 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Israel, Human rights, Prisoner exchange, Palestinians, Gilad Shalit, Protest, United Nations, Hunger strike, Yitzhak Rabin Presenter, Male #1 As the health of prisoners and detainees held in the occupation's prisons deteriorates on the 17th consecutive day of their hunger strike, the number of citizens in Gaza's protest tent grows as an expression of their solidarity to the just demands of the prisoners. Reporter, Male # 2 Delegations expressing solidarity with the prisoners on a hunger strike continue to visit the protest tent set up at the entrance of the International Red Cross headquarters in the city of Gaza for the second consecutive week. Participants condemned the occupation's disdain and failure to respond to the legitimate demands of the protestors. Guest, Male # 3 In this protest tent set up by the Prisoners' Commission of the National and Islamic Forces in the Gaza Strip, the families of the martyrs salute our brave prisoners, who have been waging the battle of the empty stomachs for 17 days. They are on a hunger strike to challenge the racist Israeli decisions and laws. Reporter, Male # 2 The mother of martyr Muhammad Azmi Farwana appealed to the international community to work on recovering the bodies of her sons Muhammad and Hamed al-Rantisi. They were martyred during the Karm Abu Salem operation that resulted in the capture of Israeli soldier Shalit. The mother of martyr Farwana issued a statement to the media, congratulating the prisoners and their families, considering the deal a new dawn for the prisoners who have suffered and endured bitter times. Guest, Female # 1 By God, my children, you are all Muhammad. I offered you Muhammad and you will bring back Muhammad with you. I am waiting for you impatiently on a Palestinian wedding day. I miss you very much my children. You are one thousand Muhammads and 27,000 heroic Palestinian mothers wait for a Palestinian wedding day when you will leave the prison and the trap you're in so we can take our children to their final resting place. Presenter, Male #1 In Gaza, dozens of children participated in a march that was launched from the headquarters of the UN special coordinator. It headed to the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross, where the protest camp set up in solidarity with political prisoners is located. The children held candles and pictures of the prisoners, and chanted slogans demanding the international community and human rights organizations exert pressure on Israel to release all political prisoners in the occupation's prisons. Reporter, Male #2 Even school students can no longer stand idly by and watch the repressive measures and practices endured by the prisoners in the occupation's prisons. These practices forced the prisoners to go on an open-ended hunger strike that has begun its 17th day. In order to express their solidarity with the prisoners in this battle of empty stomachs, elementary school students in Qalqilya marched through 7th Street to the protest camp. They carried banners demanding the occupation's government respond to their demands. Guest, Female #2 To the prisoners: may peace be on you and may all of you be released. To the prisoners: we salute you, you are the foundation of the cause. To the prisoners and my Lord, your love lives in my heart. Guest, Male #4 We, the students of the first grade, came here to free the prisoners and to call for their freedom. They are not alone because we're with them. Reporter, Male # 2 As the prisons' administration continues to reject the demands of the prisoners by announcing the failure of negotiations, the prisoners' lives are now at risk due to the deteriorating health of many of them. The children said "we will not forget you," citizens said "we stand with you and we live through you," as for journalists they have said and continue to reiterate the message to the prisoners that they are not alone and that they will stay with them and stand behind them until their demands are attained. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100511?start=963 Residents in the besieged city of Sirte are suffering a deepening humanitarian crisis while fighting between Gaddafi loyalists and revolutionaries continues, reports Press TV. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100511 Protest, Bahrain, Air strike, UN Security Council, Detention, Refugee, International Red Cross, UNRWA, Gaza, Syrian Civil War The International Red Cross team present in the Libyan city of Sirte has sounded the alarm bells about the humanitarian crisis that has been brought along by the long siege and the intense NATO bombing. This is while the fighting between Gaddafi loyalists and the revolutionaries over the control of the city continues. We took a ride with one of the main militias which are playing a key role in the siege of Sirte. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100511?start=1318 Iran and Turkey's continued shelling of the border areas of Iraq's Kurdistan region has led to the displacement of thousands of residents, reports al-Iraqiya TV. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100511 Protest, Bahrain, Air strike, UN Security Council, Detention, Refugee, International Red Cross, UNRWA, Gaza, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 Iran and Turkey's continued shelling of the border areas of Iraq's Kurdistan region has led to the displacement of thousands of resident. Presenter, Male #1 The situation prompted the International Committee of the Red Cross to take actions to help the refugees and to demand reaching a settlement agreement that will end the shelling and air strikes. Reporter, Male #2 The figures documenting the outcome of the continuous four-month-long shelling are almost final. Twenty civilians were martyred and six were wounded; 1,000 families were displaced from their residences. In addition, severe losses were inflicted on the citizens' properties and a number of villages were emptied of their residents who fled to safer areas. Guest, Male #2 (Abdul Wahid Kuwani, Official in Chuman) Twenty were martyred; six were wounded. Over 1,000 families were displaced and escaped their homes. In addition, there have been financial and psychological losses. Reporter, Male #2 As of now, there has been no compensation for the victims and refugees who were forced to flee their residences. Their houses were destroyed and their properties ruined. Hundreds of displaced families stayed by the roadside, in valleys, and other places that are safe from the shelling. They settle for living in tents as the cruel and freezing winter approaches. Guest, Male #4 We abandoned all our cattle, property, and crops in fear of the shelling and the Turkish warplanes hovering over our villages. Reporter, Male #2 The Iranian and Turkish governments shelled these regions under the pretext of the existence of the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan's forces. However, local officials assert that no forces affiliated with these two parties exist in the region. Guest, Male #3 The fighters from the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan are spread throughout border regions between Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. These regions are considered geographically significant and very difficult to cross. Reporter, Male #2 The heavy artillery shelling by Iran has become less intense; but the Turkish air strikes are still ongoing, albeit sporadically, in the region of Chuman and its surrounding villages. Cameran Mohamed, al-Iraqiya, Chuman. Presenter, Male #1 The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) said it reached an agreement with the Iranian government to stop the fighting between the two sides in exchange for halting the bombing of border regions in Iraq's Kurdistan. PKK foreign relations spokesman Ahmed Deniz asserted that the battles between the joint forces of PJAK and PKK and the Iranian forces will be halted according to the agreement. Deniz added that the agreement was reached at the end of September and that it includes the withdrawal of PJAK fighters from border regions. He ruled out the possibility of new battles erupting between PKK and Iranian forces, saying that such a situation would harm both sides. At the same time, he commended the government of the Iraqi Kurdistan region for the positive position it took on recent incidents. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/sirte-assault-resumes-after-humanitarian-ceasefire?start=0 Forces loyal to the transitional government in Libya have resumed their campaign to dislodge supporters of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi from the city of Sirte. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:43:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/sirte-assault-resumes-after-humanitarian-ceasefire Sirte, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Libya, National Transitional Council, Muammar Gaddafi , Ceasefire, International Red Cross, Hospital, ABC News (Australia) Forces loyal to the transitional government in Libya have resumed their campaign to dislodge supporters of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi from the city of Sirte. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062311-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video?start=1147 <p>Yemeni protests insist Saleh can return for his prosecution only, 18 Egyptian parties form an unprecedented electoral alliance, Karzai welcomes US withdrawal plans from Afghanistan, and more.</p> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062311-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video Syria, Israel, Turkey, Syrian Civil War, Syrian army, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya, Afghanistan, Gilad Shalit The International Red Cross today issued a demand that Hamas provide proof that IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is alive. It was an unusual appeal by the independent aid agency, which says that the soldier's family has a right under international humanitarian law to be in contact with their 24-year-old son, who has been held incommunicado since June 2006. There has been no sign of life since a videotape of Shalit was released by the terrorists almost two years ago. Meanwhile a unique project is being prepared to raise awareness and promote the campaign for Shalit's release. Beginning on Saturday night, the fifth anniversary of his captivity, for an entire day 24 well known Israeli personalities will take turns stepping into a dungeon-like cell for a period of one hour. The event will be videotaped and placed on social networking websites. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062011-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=1295 World Refugee Day given urgency by Arab Spring, reform proposals in Syria and Morocco met with massive demonstrations, Bahrain accused of systematic torture inside hospitals, and more.<br /> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062011-world-news-from-the-middle-east Libya, Arab Spring, Protest, Iraq, Tunisia, Syria, Political reform, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Bahrain, Bashar al-Assad Presenter, Female # 1 The humanitarian situation in Libya is deteriorating as bloody clashes continue between the revolutionaries and Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi's loyalists. Reporter, Male # 1 They say there is no such thing as a "clean war" since each war has its victims. The ongoing battles in Libya between Gaddafi's battalions and the revolutionaries have led to the deaths of thousands and the injury of even more. As for refugees and the displaced, their number stands at hundreds of thousands. The Tunisian-Libyan border bears witness to these tragedies, not only because it welcomed hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the flames of battles, but also because it has received its share of shelling and attacks by Gaddafi's battalions. As for the Libyan cities experiencing battles, death besets civilians from all directions. Amnesty International reported on the indiscriminate gunfire by Gaddafi's battalions in residential areas, a clear violation of international law. And when war breaches all rules and regulations, the death toll rises and it becomes more difficult to treat the wounded and provide shelter for refugees. The path to end the fighting in Libya doesn't seem clear. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross expects the number of those affected by the war to reach 850,000 by the end of the year. Regardless of the war's outcome, it is certain that its suffering will leave a mark that will be hard to erase. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061011-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=37 Jordanian protestors call on government to resign, Syrian demonstrators urge country's tribes to support their uprising, Saudi activists gear up for Women2Drive campaign, and more. <br /> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061011-world-news-from-the-middle-east Protest, NATO, Syria, Libya, UN Security Council, Friday prayers, Arab Spring, Yemen, Jordan, Robert Gates Presenter, Male #1 News agencies quoted eyewitnesses saying that Syrian forces killed two civilians and injured eight others today when they opened fire on protestors in the Busra al-Harir village in Horan Plains in southern Syria. A number of Syrian cities and towns witnessed demonstrations calling for freedom and the downfall of the regime on this Friday, named the "Friday of Tribes." Reporter, Male #1 This is another Friday in Syria. The opposition chose to name it "Friday of Tribes." The popular movement spread and its locations expanded, and protestors marched with greater resolve, insisting on their main demand. Residents of Latakia came out to hold a symbolic funeral for the regime to show that a large amount of Syrians no longer accept it. The same slogans were raised in more than one Syrian city and town. The outskirts of the capital Damascus also witnessed a popular movement. Protests and demonstrations were held in the center of the city and its suburbs. The numbers of participants in these protests varied, but they were united under the same demands and slogans. In Daraa, the tension on the streets is high amid the tireless voices calling for freedom and the response by Syrian security forces with bullets. The scene is the same in al-Qamishli. Eyewitnesses say that at least 3,000 people carried slogans condemning the military operations launched by the Syrian army in Jisr Shughour. In Aleppo, dozens marched to Da'iriya Street and rallied under the watch of security forces. Tension is also running high in the Homs region. Eyewitnesses said that the city is living a real war. Presenter, Male #1 Meanwhile, President of the International Red Cross Jacob Kellenberger called on the Syrian authorities to allow his organization to immediately enter the regions witnessing acts of violence. He expressed that he was personally ready to go to Syria to meet with government representatives. The president of the International Red Cross reiterated his request to meet with all detainees in order to evaluate the conditions of their detention and the treatment that they have received in Syria. In Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Syrian regime of committing what he referred to as "atrocities" and of behaving inhumanely towards protestors. Erdogan said in an interview with a Turkish TV channel that if these practices continue, his country will find it difficult to defend Damascus in the international forums. Guest, Male #1 (Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Prime Minister) In fact, we cannot close our doors to the survivors who fled Syria, but I don't know how long this situation will last. I talked to Bashar al-Assad and explained to him all these matters in all honesty. But despite all this, it seems that they underestimate the situation and told us that things are completely different from what we see. Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher is not behaving humanely and atrocities are being committed in Syria right now. They take horrific pictures of women whom they kill. Such pictures and scenes cannot be accepted or overlooked in any way. And such scenes will certainly be a subject for discussion at the UN Security Council. Now, we cannot defend Syria at the Security Council because of these matters. Presenter, Male #1 In this context, Turkish security forces prevented pro-Syrian regime protestors from attacking opposition protestors rallying in front of the Syrian embassy in Ankara. A number of supporters of the Syrian president coming from outside Turkey attempted to attack dozens of Syrian protestors residing in Turkey and their Turkish supporters. The security forces prevented the attack and separated the two protests. The two protests continue in a tense atmosphere in front of the Syrian embassy, which has adopted heightened security measures. The opposition protestors chanted slogans demanding the toppling of the Syrian regime and to stop what they referred to as massacres committed against the Syrian civilians. Pro-regime protestors chanted slogans supporting President Assad and condemned what they called "a conspiracy" targeting the stability of their country.