Massive crowds express support for the Yemeni revolution and Taiz [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
Five Yemenis, including a young woman, were martyred in renewed shelling and clashes in the city of Taiz south of the capital Sanaa. The death toll from the clashes with forces loyal to Saleh has risen to 20 martyrs. Local sources confirmed that three people were martyred during a funeral procession for the martyrs killed in yesterday's shelling. An army tank was set ablaze near the local municipal building in western Taiz. A young woman named Nouriya al-Humairi was martyred Thursday evening during a shelling that targeted al-Rawda neighborhood and areas adjacent to Taiz's Freedom Square, where protestors are staging sit-ins. In the capital Sanaa, hundreds of thousands of Yemenis took to the streets for the "Friday of independence" rallies. The demonstrators demanded the trial of President Ali Abdullah Saleh and condemned the campaign of crackdowns launched by government forces against civilians. The protestors renewed their rejection of all political settlements, including the Riyadh Agreement. Meanwhile, consultation efforts are intensifying between the Joint Meeting Parties and the ruling party for the official announcement of the formation of the government.

Reporter, Male #1
These were the chants of Yemeni protestors marking the "Friday of independence," in commemoration of cleansing the country of colonization on November 30, 1967. The youths of the revolution celebrated the event in their own way, just like they have on previous occasions. They wanted to send a message that they are capable of cleansing Yemen of Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime.

Guest, Male #2
Our message is that we are capable of uprooting the tyrant Ali Abdullah Saleh and his aides just like our parents and grandparents did with the British occupation. We are almost there, God willing.

Reporter, Male #1
The revolutionary squares are not far from the headquarters of the politicians who are leading consultation efforts aimed at forming a coalition government and implementing articles of the Riyadh Agreement. However, it seems that this political mobilization has failed so far to meet the objectives of the revolutionaries who come from all walks of life.

Guest, Female #2
We demand the trial of the butcher. In light of the bloodshed, we reject any dialogue, negotiation, or power-sharing deal.

Guest, Female #3
We came out for the sake of building a new Yemen, for freedom and dignity, and for the trial of butchers.

Reporter, Male #1
Yemeni children are sharing the same dreams and ambitions as grown ups. In an unprecedented scene, the entire Yemeni family has converged on revolutionary squares to demand change, as many began to realize that a new Yemen is about to form. It seems that the entire Yemeni family has realized that revolutionary action is the only choice to build the country and reclaim freedom, equality, and dignity for a nation that has suffered for a long time. Ali al-Dhab, Alalam, from the Siteen Square in Sanaa.

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Jordanian protestors demand reforms and an end to corruption [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
Jordanian Prime Minister Awn al-Khasawneh won a parliamentary vote of confidence with 89 votes. On the other hand, the popular mobilization took to the street today, on Friday, to demand more political and economic reforms in Jordan.

Reporter, Male #2
Vibrant speeches were heard in the Jordanian parliament for four days, shortly before the government of the International Court of Justice judge, Awn Khasawneh, gained parliament's vote of confidence. Some parliament members' statements strongly criticized the government and the contents of its ministerial statement. One of them did not forget to criticize parliament.

Guest, Male #3 (Bisam Haddadin, Jordanian MP)
So this parliament is completely like a male bee. It dies after finishing its mission.

Reporter, Male #2
Meanwhile, others went as far as demanding the expulsion of opposition leaders from the country.

Guest, Male #4 (Yehya Saud, Jordanian MP)
Hamza Mansur, Saiad, Irshaid, Ahmad Ebaidat, Zu'ibi, I'm asking you before God to leave the country. Leave the country.

Reporter, Male #2
It led to some skirmishes. Many of the representatives' demands centered on services as the prime minister responded to the representatives' speeches. He stressed the necessity of delegating his government the task of tackling corruption.

Guest, Male #5 (Awn Khasawneh, Jordanian PM)
In the ministerial statement, I emphasized the extreme importance for the government to fight corruption and punish the corrupt.

Reporter, Male #2
The government was expected to gain the parliamentary vote of confidence in light of the absence of the political opposition's representatives in the incumbent parliament after they boycotted the latest parliamentary elections. Khasawneh's winning of the parliamentary vote of confidence was not unexpected. But it does not mean popular protests will end across the kingdom's provinces; the ministerial statement did not please the opposition, nor does the political opposition have faith in the members of the incumbent parliament. The opposition says the popular mobilization, with all of its political and union components, will continue protesting at every given chance as long as the opposition's demands are not met and the government does not respond to their aspirations.

Guest, Male #5, Omar al-Ayasirah, Activist in the Popular Movement)
The movement does not have any trust in this tribal parliament. There is no policy. Did you hear any policy discussion between the ministers and prime minister in parliament today? There is no policy. The movement is politicized; it does not take this parliament into consideration.

Reporter, Male #2
It seems the Jordanian opposition, with all of its political, tribal, and union components, is moving forward with an approach that rejects the performance of Jordan's successive governments. The opposition says political reforms are out of reach. Nasser Shadid, BBC, Amman.

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Egyptian elections dampen Tahrir protest [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male # 1
Dozens of Egyptian activists organized a protest that was launched from Mustafa Mahmoud Mosque and headed to Tahrir Square in central Cairo. Demonstrators demanded that those involved in the attack on Tahrir Square's protestors be held accountable. This comes as the number of participants dwindled in the million-person march that was called for by some of the revolution's coalitions in central Cairo today. The decrease is viewed as a ramification of the positive environment that dominated the first round of Egyptian parliamentary elections. In the same context, support for the military council was expressed in al-Abbasiya Square.

Reporter, Male # 2
They are still chanting against the military council despite their two-week-long protest in Tahrir Square. The effects of the parliamentary elections, in which millions participated, resonated in the square. The revolution's youth called for a protest dubbed "the right of the martyrs" but there was a noticeable decease in the number of participants. The revolutionaries held Friday prayers with the revolution's orator reflecting on the electoral scene.

Guest, Male # 3
I thank those who secured these elections, headed by this great people. We are the ones who protected the parliamentary elections.

Reporter, Male # 2
The goals of Tahrir's revolutionaries united and it became clear that demanding those goals must continue.

Guest, Female # 1
Whenever we say anything, the military council imposes someone on us, be it Ganzouri or Sharaf.

Guest, Male # 4
Everything the military council is doing is an attempt to prolong and reproduce the Mubarak regime.

Reporter, Male # 2
Protestors here in Tahrir Square are demanding the military power cede its political and executive powers to a national salvation government that would be elected by the square. As for over there, in Abbasiya Square, they have different demands. For the second consecutive time, al-Abbasiya Square was the stage for a demonstration that held thousands of the military council's backers, who support al-Ganzouri's government, especially after the council vowed to grant it the powers needed to carry out its duties.

Guest, Male # 5
We support all of the military council's decisions, whether it's assigning Ganzouri or anyone else. We support the council's decision.

Reporter, Male # 2
Removed from al-Abbasiya and Tahrir, Egyptians engaged in debates estimating parliamentary elections will continue, viewing them as a step toward ending the transitional period. Mahmoud Hassini, al-Jazeera, Cairo.

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Syrian protestors call for a buffer zone to protect civilians [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male #1
Fourteen people have been killed so far by Assad's brigades in massive demonstrations that swept across Syrian cities under the slogan "We demand a buffer zone." In Deir az-Zour, Jableh, the Khalidiya neighborhood of Homs, Hasakah, Idlib, al-Asali, Amuda, Maarat al-Numan, and Jabal al-Zawiya, the protestors had one voice calling for freedom and demanding that Bashar al-Assad and his regime leave. Meanwhile, Talkalakh is still suffering from the Syrian killing machine as its neighborhoods are subject to violent artillery shelling.

Reporter, Female #1
The "Friday of we demand a buffer zone" is the new theme that the Syrian opposition gave their protests that erupted today to demand the downfall of the regime, in light of the killing and torture the protestors have been enduring.

Guest, Male #2
December 2, security officers and shabeha stormed Saqba on the "Friday of we demand a buffer zone."

Reporter, Female #1
Shelling and arrests campaigns were carried out against citizens, including a number of lawyers in Syria such as Abdul Salam al-Atrash in Damascus. Syrian human rights organizations indicated in a statement that Hossam al-Asaad, a member of the Lawyers' Guild in Idlib, has been detained for nearly a week. Meanwhile, lawyer Ali Badran's office and home were raided in Tell Rifaat. And as usual, Assad's brigades mobilized and besieged neighborhoods, shut down entrances, and encircled mosques in various areas, including al-Qaboun neighborhood of Damascus to prevent protests from taking place. Meanwhile, the shabeha patrol units are deployed on all main streets. In Deir az-Zour, the Syrian security forces besieged Orfi Mosque to deter any protests. At the same time, intensive security deployment was witnessed and all mosques in Jableh were encircled to prevent worshipers from coming out to protest. Homs, as usual, rose up today even though its mosques are besieged. More than 4,000 protestors took to the streets in al-Qusour neighborhood demanding a buffer zone to protect civilians and the downfall of the regime. In al-Khalidiya of Homs, a massive protest broke out. Demonstrators demanded that Assad and his regime leave. Al-Assad's brigades responded to them by burning their houses amid a tight siege on the area. Meanwhile, security forces fired tear-gas at protestors in Hama, specifically in al-Amiriya neighborhood amid heavy gunfire. A massive protest also broke out in Azadi Square of Hasakah calling for freedom and the execution of Assad, and demanding a buffer zone. In addition, the regions of Idlib, al-Asali, Amuda, Maarat al-Numan and other Syrian towns witnessed massive demonstrations.

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Bahraini protestors demand democratic system replace monarchy [Press TV, Iran]

In Bahrain, protests against al-Khalifa regime continue across the tiny Persian Gulf island. Protestors took to the streets of Mahaza village on the island of Sitra. They rallied against the monarchy system that has ruled Bahrain for two centuries. The protestors are calling for the downfall of the regime and demanded a democratic system take over. With support from Saudi Arabia, the regime in Manama has launched a brutal crackdown on anti regime protestors since mid-February. Scores of people have been killed, injured, and detained since then.

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Rallies in Pakistan against US-led NATO air strikes [Press TV, Iran]

People across Pakistan have taken to the streets to voice their anger over the US and NATO's airstrikes in the country. The protestors were out in Islamabad, Quetta, and Karachi where they marched outside the US consulate. They also burned the US flag. They demanded an end to cross-border air raids by NATO. One of those strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last week. Two dozen Pakistani soldiers were also killed in the same attack. Pakistan has condemned the strike as a violation of its territory. Islamabad has blocked supply routes for US-led forces in Afghanistan in protest against the strike.

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Protestors hold anti-US, British rally in Istanbul during Biden's visit [Press TV, Iran]

Protestors in Turkey burned the US and Britain's flags for their efforts to further impose sanctions on Iran. Hundreds of protestors demonstrated in the Turkish city of Istanbul against US and Britain. They carried banners in bearing slogans against Washington and London for their roles in the Afghanistan war. The protest comes as US Vice President Joe Biden visits Turkey. During his meetings with Turkish officials, Biden has called for further sanctions on Iran over its nuclear energy program. The demonstrators have also protested against Biden's visit and chanted slogans against the US.

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International community steps up action against Iran [IBA, Israel]

We open with new efforts of the international community to block Iran's disputed nuclear development program. By unanimous vote, the US senate approved tougher sanctions against any global financial institutions that continue to conduct business with Tehran's Central Bank, which is the main conduit of Iranian oil revenues. Similar provisions have already been passed in the US House of Representatives, which now increases the likelihood that a version of the bill will be sent to US President Barack Obama to either sign into law or veto the measure.

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Israeli soldiers caught on tape abusing Palestinian prisoners [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male #1
Israel's TV Channel 2 aired a video showing two Palestinian prisoners being mistreated during their detainment. The channel confirmed the occupation soldiers who committed the crime have not been arrested. Anis Abu Arqoub reports.

Reporter, Male #2
Soldiers of what is said to be the oasis of democracy in the Middle East carry out their daily practice of abusing citizens. But this time, some images made their way to media organizations.

Guest, Male #3 (Soldier)
Why are you causing problems for the army? Huh? Huh?

Guest, Male #4 (Prisoner)
It wasn't me, it was my friends.

Guest, Male #3 (Soldier)
No, you're a liar.

Guest, Male #4 (Prisoner)
My friends are causing problems, not me.

Guest, Male # 5 (Soldier)
This slap is from me to your friends son of a bitch. We will break your legs and hands because you're causing us problems.

Reporter, Male #2
These images were found by accident on the cell phones of occupation army soldiers who were arrested by the military police for crimes committed against Israelis.

Guest, Male #5 (Prisoner)
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. For the love of God, I'm dying. I'm dying. For the love of God!

Reporter, Male #2
The soldiers who were arrested and on whose phones these images we found were not the ones who carried out the abuse, nor were they the ones who captured these images. Reduced charges were filed against the soldiers who had these videos and they were only jailed for a few months. The military police did not force these soldiers to reveal how they obtained the videos.

Reporter, Male #2
No one knows the identity of these prisoners who endured torture, but the reality confirms that this scene is repeated day and night by the occupation's soldiers.

Presenter, Male #1
Joining us directly from Ramallah is Mr. Sha'awan Jabarin, the general director of al-Haq human rights organization. Good evening, Mr. Sha'awan.

Guest, Male #6
Good evening.

Presenter, Male #1
Did you watch the report? What barbarity!

Guest, Male #5
This is a daily policy and a daily practice. This incident is not an exception to the usual practices of the occupation soldiers and the various authorities of the security agencies. So, I'm not surprised. I have goose bumps after seeing this practice but we have also tasted it on our own skin and all Palestinians have experienced it, be it workers trying to reach their workplaces, detainees under investigation, children when they're caught in demonstrations against the wall, etc. I think this is the policy of the occupation authority. But right now, we focus on these cases because they have been revealed. And I believe that this is just the tip of the iceberg; the real picture is broader.