LONDON, May 27 (UPI) -- Amnesty International says it obtained video of Syrian forces engaged in "what appears to be a 'shoot-to-kill' policy" against anti-government demonstrators.
The human rights group said in London the video, smuggled out of Syria by protesters, shows security forces shooting unarmed protesters in the head, raiding a mosque being used as a field hospital for injured demonstrators, and soldiers and armed men in the mosque filming bodies on the floor and exclaiming, "Take pictures, we killed them, they are traitors."
"These extraordinary images were taken by Syrians who have risked their lives to document the callous attempts of the authorities to terrorize the pro-reform movement from going out onto the streets," said Philip Luther, AI's Middle East and North Africa deputy director. "Images of unarmed civilians shot in the head help explain why there have been so many fatalities. Together with footage of soldiers celebrating deaths, they document what appears to be a 'shoot to kill' policy."
The New York Times reported the death toll in Syria since the uprising against the government of President Bashar Assad began in mid-March at 1,000.
The Times said in addition to using live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators, security forces beat them with batons and fired water cannons at them.
The Times said demonstrators are switching tactics to protect themselves from security forces. More demonstrations are being held in the evening because it is easier for participants to slip away from security forces in the dark.
