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Syrian Authorities Open Fire on Protesters

(Al Jazeera English: 0633 PST, April 22, 2011) Rula Amin reports from Damascus, as anti-government protests rock the country.

 

 

Raw Video: Massive Protests in Syria

(Associated Press: 0745 PST, April 22, 2011) Witnesses say at least 15 Syrian protesters have been killed during clashes with security forces who fired live bullets and tear gas at tens of thousands of people shouting for freedom and democracy.

 

 

 
 

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Syria: Deal Struck to Calm Unrest

(Euronews: 0706 PST, April 14, 2011) Syrian authorities have reportedly agreed to replace secret police with army patrols in Baniyas, scene of a recent crackdown on anti-government protesters. As part of a deal struck in Damascus with prominent figures from the Mediterranean port, they are also said to have freed hundreds of people rounded up earlier this week as the town was sealed off. But, despite the apparent concessions, many of those detained claim they have been tortured, according to human rights campaigners, while others insist they took no part in protests.

 

 

 
 

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French Veil Ban Takes Effect, Women Protest

(Associated Press: 0906 PST, April 11, 2011) Veiled women were among a group protesting against the French ban on face covering in public that took effect Monday. Police said at least two were detained, but complained the new law would be tough to enforce.

 

 

Face Veil Protesters Detained as French Ban Begins

(Euronews: 0718 PST, April 11, 2011) France's ban on full face veils, a first in Europe, has been marked by anger and arrests at one of the leading landmarks in Paris. Several people were detained at what was meant to be a silent protest outside Notre Dame Cathedral, with feelings running high. "It is an attack on my freedom of conscience, my freedom of religion, my freedom to be a woman," said activist Kenza Drider, wearing a face veil.

 

 

 
 

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Juliano Mer-Khamis Killed in Jenin

The immediate threat of violence permeates throughout the documentary No Child is Born A Terrorist, as explore.org filmmaker Charlie Annenberg confronts an ever-present feeling of potential danger. Yet one calming influence exists in the form of a man who seems to stand above it all, everyone's friend and guide into an unknown world. That man, the great Juliano Mer-Khamis, was killed on Monday, April 4th, shot to death outside the very theater he hoped would provide alternative outlets besides aggression.

Juliano Mer Khamis, right, with Charlie Annenberg and Zakariya Zubeidi
  Juliano Mer-Khamis, right, with Charlie Annenberg and Zakariya Zubeidi

Mer-Khamis was a living bridge between Palestine and Israel. Half Palestinian, half Israeli, he was an actor who devoted his life to increasing cross-cultural understanding and artistic expression in one of the most oppressive areas of West Bank, a refugee camp in the city of Jenin. It was there where he opened The Freedom Theater in 2006 along with Zakariya Zubeidi, former military head of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. Mer-Khamis was the son of Arna Mer, a prominent Jewish Israeli political activist, and Saliba Khamis, a Palestinian Christian. Arna Mer opened the original theater in 1987 as The Stone Theater, and Juliano was devoted to carrying on his mother's legacy. Mer-Khamis documented his mother's work in the 2004 film "Arna's Children," which won first prize a the Canadian International Documentary Festival. His best-known roles were in the 1985 film "Rage and Glory" and 2000's "Kippur."

Charlie Annenberg and the explore Team traced the steps that Mer-Khamis walked everyday, getting a firsthand view of this unique man's influence and dedication. The camp is home to more than 16,000 Palestinian refugees, half of whom are under 18. Mer-Khamis' work gained extra significance in this atmosphere, instilling an understanding of tradition and culture in Palestinian youth. In the film, Charlie conveys that, "The theater gave the kids in the camp a stage to express their joy, their frustration, anger and hope."

Palestinian security forces have made an arrest in the killing, although the suspect has yet to confess. With Mer-Khamis' death, No Child is Born a Terrorist becomes a living tribute to a person that described himself as "100 percent Palestinian, 100 percent Jewish" and sought to create a foundation for peace beginning with the youth. In the film, Mer-Khamis states his belief in Palestinian youth, saying, "As human beings, if you give them meaning, if you give them something to live for, they are not going to become terrorists, they will not be violent." His work will live on through The Freedom Theater.

 

Watch the explore film, No Child is Born a Terrorist, online now:

 

 
 

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Protesters Killed in Syria

(Al Jazeera English: 1524 PST, April 1, 2011) At least four people were killed when security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters in a suburb of the capital Damascus. Witnesses said thousands of people demonstrated to demand reforms in cities across the country.

 

Many videos purporting to show the violence that erupted have been uploaded to the internet. One incident in particular appears to show heavy gunfire on a crowd in the countryside in the south. Al Jazeera's Tarek Bazley reports.

 

 

Up to 10 Die in Syrian 'Day of Martyrs'

(Euronews: 1539 PST, April 1, 2011) There are reports that up to 10 people have been killed in protests in Syria on Friday, with at least four deaths in the capital, Damascus. Demonstrators took to the streets in several of the country's major cities, including Hons, Baniyas, and Latakia. They named Friday "The Day of Martyrs." Security forces have been accused of using heavy-handed tactics, including locking protesters inside a mosque.

 

 

 

 
 

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