The repression of protests by the Syrian regime may constitute crimes against humanity. According to advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW), civilians are being tortured and murdered in the opposition city of Homes.

Between mid-April and late August, 587 civilians have been killed in Homes, says a HRW report released Friday. Over 100 of those deaths have occurred since 2 November.

HRW wants the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague and the United Nations Security Council to investigate the alleged abuses. Earlier, the UN Security Council carried out similar investigations in Libya, resulting in ICC arrest warrants for Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, his son and his intelligence chief.

HRW also calls for an arms embargo against Syria and sanctions against those responsible for the violence.

The Arab League is scheduled meet Saturday to address the situation in Syria. HRW says the body must put pressure on Syria to end the unrest or suspend the country.

(lo)

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