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Syria: new 'massacre' in Homs as diplomacy stalls - live updates Syria: new 'massacre' in Homs as diplomacy stalls - live updates
(40 minutes later)
3.22pm: Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha Centre, thinks the five principles outlined by Lavrov (see 2.34pm) could form the basis for an agreement on Syria.
Believe we're finally seeing some convergence in #UNSC based on #AL 5pts with #Lavrov.#Annan presented similiar pts to #Assad.#Syria res pos
— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) March 12, 2012
3.13pm: At the start of today's security council meeting UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon urged Assad to take swift action to end his regime's bloody crackdown. He also appealed the council to speak with one voice and help Syria "pull back from the brink of a deeper catastrophe".
Here's a full text of Ban's remarks.
Here are some of the key passages from his speech:
The Syrian government has failed to fulfill its responsibility to protect its own people, and instead has subjected citizens in several cities to military assault and disproportionate use of force. These shameful operations continue. Sustained attacks against Idlib, Homs and elsewhere in the country have killed scores of people over the past couple of days, including women and children ...
[Kofi] Annan held frank and comprehensive discussions with President Assad, and put concrete proposals to the President. He urged President Assad to take immediate steps to bring an end to violence and abuses, address the humanitarian crisis, and embark with Annan's facilitation on a peaceful, inclusive, Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate and democratic aspirations of the Syrian people.

I add my voice to that of Annan in urging President Assad to act swiftly, within the next few days, in response to the proposals put forward by the joint special envoy.

I appeal to the Security Council to unite strongly behind ending the violence and supporting Annan's mission to help Syria pull back from the brink of a deeper catastrophe. This is vital for the Syrian people and for the entire region.

I appreciate the recent initiatives by the Russian Federation and by China, including their engagement with Syria and with the League of Arab States. At this critical juncture, it will be essential for the Council to speak with one voice, and I hope the Council can find its way towards a consensus resolution that sends a signal of strong resolve.
3.05pm: The full text of Hague's remarks to the UN security council are available here.3.05pm: The full text of Hague's remarks to the UN security council are available here.
Here's the key passage on Syria:Here's the key passage on Syria:
The situation in Syria casts a long shadow over this debate.The situation in Syria casts a long shadow over this debate.
In the eyes of the overwhelming majority of the world, this Council has so far failed in its responsibilities towards the Syrian people.In the eyes of the overwhelming majority of the world, this Council has so far failed in its responsibilities towards the Syrian people.
It has failed to address the brutal oppression of peaceful protesters by the Syrian regime, and it has not yet put its weight and authority behind the efforts of the Arab League.It has failed to address the brutal oppression of peaceful protesters by the Syrian regime, and it has not yet put its weight and authority behind the efforts of the Arab League.
It is time for the Security Council to show unity and to show leadership. It should be possible for the Council to call for an immediate end to the brutal repression and violations of human rights; to demand an end to all violence and immediate and unhindered humanitarian access; to call on the Syrian government to implement its own commitments to the Arab League, by stopping military action, withdrawing its forces from towns and cities, releasing all political prisoners and allowing access to the media; to endorse the work of the Arab League and of Kofi Annan in his role as Joint Arab League and UN Envoy; and to support UN and Arab League facilitation of a Syrian-led political transition.It is time for the Security Council to show unity and to show leadership. It should be possible for the Council to call for an immediate end to the brutal repression and violations of human rights; to demand an end to all violence and immediate and unhindered humanitarian access; to call on the Syrian government to implement its own commitments to the Arab League, by stopping military action, withdrawing its forces from towns and cities, releasing all political prisoners and allowing access to the media; to endorse the work of the Arab League and of Kofi Annan in his role as Joint Arab League and UN Envoy; and to support UN and Arab League facilitation of a Syrian-led political transition.
I call again on the Council to adopt a resolution containing these essential elements.I call again on the Council to adopt a resolution containing these essential elements.
Beyond this Chamber, British experts are working in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon to help document crimes against the Syrian people. I urge other nations here to join us in that effort, so that the regime knows it cannot proceed down this path with impunity.Beyond this Chamber, British experts are working in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon to help document crimes against the Syrian people. I urge other nations here to join us in that effort, so that the regime knows it cannot proceed down this path with impunity.
2.55pm: Hillary Clinton accused Russia of "hypocrisy" over Syria.2.55pm: Hillary Clinton accused Russia of "hypocrisy" over Syria.
But according to the BBC's UN correspondent Barbara Plett, she noted Lavrov's five points for agreement.But according to the BBC's UN correspondent Barbara Plett, she noted Lavrov's five points for agreement.
#Clinton takes note of #Lavrov #Arab League points of agreement, says time for #UN to speak w/ one voice on #Syria#Clinton takes note of #Lavrov #Arab League points of agreement, says time for #UN to speak w/ one voice on #Syria
— Barbara Plett (@BBCBarbaraPlett) March 12, 2012— Barbara Plett (@BBCBarbaraPlett) March 12, 2012
This public debate makes for interesting private discussions between Lavrov and Clinton later today.This public debate makes for interesting private discussions between Lavrov and Clinton later today.
2.34pm: Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the crisis in Syria was a source of "grave concern" and that the Syrian government was responsible for much of the violence gripping the country.2.34pm: Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the crisis in Syria was a source of "grave concern" and that the Syrian government was responsible for much of the violence gripping the country.
But he said the Syrian government was fighting armed combat units such as the Free Syrian Army and extremist groups including al-Qaida.But he said the Syrian government was fighting armed combat units such as the Free Syrian Army and extremist groups including al-Qaida.
He also cautioned against "hasty demands for regime change"; encouraging the opposition to confront the authorities instead of promoting dialogue; and calling for armed intervention. He said such approaches were "risky recipes for geo-political engineering".He also cautioned against "hasty demands for regime change"; encouraging the opposition to confront the authorities instead of promoting dialogue; and calling for armed intervention. He said such approaches were "risky recipes for geo-political engineering".
Lavrov set out five principles for ending the conflict agreed with Arab League states over the weekend.Lavrov set out five principles for ending the conflict agreed with Arab League states over the weekend.
1) Ending violence from all sources
2) An impartial monitoring mechanism
3) No outside interference
4) Unimpeded humanitarian access to all Syrians
5) Strong support for Kofi Annan's mission to launch political dialogue between the government all opposition groups		1) Ending violence from all sources
2) An impartial monitoring mechanism
3) No outside interference
4) Unimpeded humanitarian access to all Syrians
5) Strong support for Kofi Annan's mission to launch political dialogue between the government all opposition groups
"On that basis we are prepared to agree a security council resolution," Lavrov said."On that basis we are prepared to agree a security council resolution," Lavrov said.
Lavrov also criticised Nato for misleading the UN over Libya. He said it pledged to secure a no-fly zone over Libya and then conducted a "massive bombing campaign".Lavrov also criticised Nato for misleading the UN over Libya. He said it pledged to secure a no-fly zone over Libya and then conducted a "massive bombing campaign".
2.29pm: French foreign minister Alain Juppe echoed comments made by Hague.2.29pm: French foreign minister Alain Juppe echoed comments made by Hague.
In his speech to the security council Juppe said the "day will come" when perpetrators of crimes in Syria will have to respond to the international criminal court.In his speech to the security council Juppe said the "day will come" when perpetrators of crimes in Syria will have to respond to the international criminal court.
Colum Lynch, UN reporter for the Washington Post, who is live tweeting proceedings, commented:Colum Lynch, UN reporter for the Washington Post, who is live tweeting proceedings, commented:
Britain/France using UNSC session to signal intent to pursue war crimes prosecutions against Syrias. Common path when diplomacy deadendsBritain/France using UNSC session to signal intent to pursue war crimes prosecutions against Syrias. Common path when diplomacy deadends
— columlynch (@columlynch) March 12, 2012— columlynch (@columlynch) March 12, 2012
2.12pm: William Hague has accused the UN security council of failing in its responsibility towards the Syrian people.2.12pm: William Hague has accused the UN security council of failing in its responsibility towards the Syrian people.
Speaking to the council in New York, the foreign secretary said the UN should be able to hold Syria to its commitment to the Arab League to stop military action, withdraw its forces from cities, releasing political prisoners and allowing access to journalists.Speaking to the council in New York, the foreign secretary said the UN should be able to hold Syria to its commitment to the Arab League to stop military action, withdraw its forces from cities, releasing political prisoners and allowing access to journalists.
"I call again on the council to adopt a resolution containing these essential elements," he said."I call again on the council to adopt a resolution containing these essential elements," he said.
Hague also said British experts were working in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan to document crimes against the Syrian people. He urged other countries to join the exercise so that "the regime knows it cannot proceed down this path with impunity".Hague also said British experts were working in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan to document crimes against the Syrian people. He urged other countries to join the exercise so that "the regime knows it cannot proceed down this path with impunity".
1.26pm: It is difficult to see how Kofi Annan could be optimistic following his weekend talks with Assad and what's being today alleged in Homs. But his spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, says Annan thinks the "process is on right track".1.26pm: It is difficult to see how Kofi Annan could be optimistic following his weekend talks with Assad and what's being today alleged in Homs. But his spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, says Annan thinks the "process is on right track".
Annan held talks in Doha today with Qatari leaders. Qatar has backed calls for the international community to arm the Syrian opposition. Annan has warned against any further militarisation of the conflict.Annan held talks in Doha today with Qatari leaders. Qatar has backed calls for the international community to arm the Syrian opposition. Annan has warned against any further militarisation of the conflict.
12.58pm: Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, is trying to confirm activists' claims that eight of those killed in Karm el-Zeytoun were Palestinians.12.58pm: Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, is trying to confirm activists' claims that eight of those killed in Karm el-Zeytoun were Palestinians.
#Syria: Activist tells me 8 of those killed in Karm al-Zaytun yesterday were Palestinians. Provides names. Working on confirming info.#Syria: Activist tells me 8 of those killed in Karm al-Zaytun yesterday were Palestinians. Provides names. Working on confirming info.
— Nadim Houry (@nadimhoury) March 12, 2012— Nadim Houry (@nadimhoury) March 12, 2012
Graphic video purports to show bodies two Palestinian families among the shrouded corpses of those killed [warning: disturbing content].Graphic video purports to show bodies two Palestinian families among the shrouded corpses of those killed [warning: disturbing content].
11.44am: The apparent failure of Kofi Annan's visit to Syria will not have come as surprise to foreign ministers gathering at the UN in New York. But what will they try next? William Hague is staying cheery:11.44am: The apparent failure of Kofi Annan's visit to Syria will not have come as surprise to foreign ministers gathering at the UN in New York. But what will they try next? William Hague is staying cheery:
Early start in New York. On my way to meet Ban Ki Moon & Valerie Amos, & chair UN Security Council special session on #MiddleEast & #SyriaEarly start in New York. On my way to meet Ban Ki Moon & Valerie Amos, & chair UN Security Council special session on #MiddleEast & #Syria
— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) March 12, 2012— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) March 12, 2012
AP sets the scene for the talks in New York.AP sets the scene for the talks in New York.
Much attention is likely to be focused on the private meeting between Clinton and Lavrov, which is expected to be dominated by serious differences over how to address the violence in Syria.Much attention is likely to be focused on the private meeting between Clinton and Lavrov, which is expected to be dominated by serious differences over how to address the violence in Syria.
Russia, which is Syria's most powerful ally, and China have vetoed two security council resolutions which would have condemned President Bashar Assad's bloody crackdown, saying they were unbalanced and demanded that only the government stop attacks, not the opposition. Moscow accused Western powers of fuelling the conflict by backing the rebels.Russia, which is Syria's most powerful ally, and China have vetoed two security council resolutions which would have condemned President Bashar Assad's bloody crackdown, saying they were unbalanced and demanded that only the government stop attacks, not the opposition. Moscow accused Western powers of fuelling the conflict by backing the rebels.
Earlier this month, the United States proposed a new draft which tried to take a more balanced approach, but diplomats said Russia and China rejected it, saying it was still unbalanced.Earlier this month, the United States proposed a new draft which tried to take a more balanced approach, but diplomats said Russia and China rejected it, saying it was still unbalanced.
Lavrov was flying to New York from Cairo, where he had a tense meeting with Arab League foreign ministers. They have endorsed a plan for Assad to hand power to his vice president, but the Russians are adamantly opposed to any resolution endorsing regime change.Lavrov was flying to New York from Cairo, where he had a tense meeting with Arab League foreign ministers. They have endorsed a plan for Assad to hand power to his vice president, but the Russians are adamantly opposed to any resolution endorsing regime change.
In the end, the Arab League and Lavrov agreed on several points that could serve as the basis for a future security council resolution: an immediate cease-fire, a clause preventing foreign intervention, assurances about humanitarian aid and an endorsement of the mission of special envoy to Syria, former UN chief Kofi Annan.In the end, the Arab League and Lavrov agreed on several points that could serve as the basis for a future security council resolution: an immediate cease-fire, a clause preventing foreign intervention, assurances about humanitarian aid and an endorsement of the mission of special envoy to Syria, former UN chief Kofi Annan.
11.09am: An opposition activist has rejected government claims that armed terrorists were responsible for an alleged massacre in the Karm al-Zeytoun in Homs.11.09am: An opposition activist has rejected government claims that armed terrorists were responsible for an alleged massacre in the Karm al-Zeytoun in Homs.
Mulham al-Jundi, a member of the opposition Syrian National Council, who fled Homs last Wednesday, claimed his contacts in the area had reported that security forces had raped women and burned families alive by dousing their homes in petrol.Mulham al-Jundi, a member of the opposition Syrian National Council, who fled Homs last Wednesday, claimed his contacts in the area had reported that security forces had raped women and burned families alive by dousing their homes in petrol.
The claims, which are being repeated by a number of activists, cannot be independently verified.The claims, which are being repeated by a number of activists, cannot be independently verified.
Speaking from Saudi Arabia, where he is being treated for a wounded leg sustained in an assault on Homs last month, al-Jundi said: "Only Assad's Shabbiha are raping women and killing kids."Speaking from Saudi Arabia, where he is being treated for a wounded leg sustained in an assault on Homs last month, al-Jundi said: "Only Assad's Shabbiha are raping women and killing kids."
Asked to provide proof of the claims, he said: "More than 20 videos have been recorded of what's happened. The photos are very clear. We cannot provide more proof than this."Asked to provide proof of the claims, he said: "More than 20 videos have been recorded of what's happened. The photos are very clear. We cannot provide more proof than this."
In response to the government's claim that terrorists were to blame, he said: "Where are the terrorists? Why are the terrorists helping the injured. Why are terrorists making videos and publishing them? I'm 100% sure this has happened."In response to the government's claim that terrorists were to blame, he said: "Where are the terrorists? Why are the terrorists helping the injured. Why are terrorists making videos and publishing them? I'm 100% sure this has happened."
10.33am: Al-Jazeera's Anita McNaught was in the northern city of Idlib as it came under assault by Syrian Army over the weekend.10.33am: Al-Jazeera's Anita McNaught was in the northern city of Idlib as it came under assault by Syrian Army over the weekend.
Every bullet fired was returned by a tank shell she was told.Every bullet fired was returned by a tank shell she was told.
10.22am: A car bomb has killed a schoolgirl and wounded 25 others at a school in the southern Syrian city of Deraa, an opposition activist told Reuters.10.22am: A car bomb has killed a schoolgirl and wounded 25 others at a school in the southern Syrian city of Deraa, an opposition activist told Reuters.
"The car exploded at nine in the morning in al-Kashef neighbourhood in front of al-Mahatta High School for Girls, which has been active in (anti-Assad) demonstrations," Maher Abdelhaq told Reuters from the city on the border with Jordan."The car exploded at nine in the morning in al-Kashef neighbourhood in front of al-Mahatta High School for Girls, which has been active in (anti-Assad) demonstrations," Maher Abdelhaq told Reuters from the city on the border with Jordan.
10.01am: Twenty four of the people found dead in the Karm al-Zeytoun area of Homs yesterday have been identified, but many more are feared dead, an activist in the city told the Guardian.10.01am: Twenty four of the people found dead in the Karm al-Zeytoun area of Homs yesterday have been identified, but many more are feared dead, an activist in the city told the Guardian.
Waleed Fares, who is based in the northern district of al-Khalidyeh, said 40 bodies had been recovered, but some were unidentifiable.Waleed Fares, who is based in the northern district of al-Khalidyeh, said 40 bodies had been recovered, but some were unidentifiable.
"We have the names of 24 people. We will publish documents about what happened in next few hours," he said via Skype."We have the names of 24 people. We will publish documents about what happened in next few hours," he said via Skype.
Fares said most of those killed were stabbed to death. "I feel there will be a lot more than 40 killed," he said.Fares said most of those killed were stabbed to death. "I feel there will be a lot more than 40 killed," he said.
He added that the south-eastern districts of al-Adawiyeh, Ashera, as well as Karm el-Zeytoun, have been shelled for the last three days. The bodies of those killed were recovered by Free Syrian Army soldiers, he claimed.He added that the south-eastern districts of al-Adawiyeh, Ashera, as well as Karm el-Zeytoun, have been shelled for the last three days. The bodies of those killed were recovered by Free Syrian Army soldiers, he claimed.
His account cannot be independently verified.His account cannot be independently verified.
Graphic video footage purported to show a survivor of the attacked being treated in a makeshift clinic. He claimed shabbiha - armed supporters of Assad - were responsible [warning: disturbing content].Graphic video footage purported to show a survivor of the attacked being treated in a makeshift clinic. He claimed shabbiha - armed supporters of Assad - were responsible [warning: disturbing content].
8.48am: The bodies of 47 women and children have been found in the Karm el-Zeytoun and al-Adawiyeh districts of south-east Homs, an activist told AFP.8.48am: The bodies of 47 women and children have been found in the Karm el-Zeytoun and al-Adawiyeh districts of south-east Homs, an activist told AFP.
Horrific pictures have been posted online showing some of the alleged victims.Horrific pictures have been posted online showing some of the alleged victims.
AFP also reports that the opposition Syrian National Council has called for an emergency UN security council meeting to discuss the massacre.AFP also reports that the opposition Syrian National Council has called for an emergency UN security council meeting to discuss the massacre.
Meanwhile, a group of 43 dignitaries, including former British foreign secretary David Miliband, former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown, and the Italian writer Umberto Eco, has urged the United Nations to unite around the Arab League's peace plan for ending the violence in Syria.Meanwhile, a group of 43 dignitaries, including former British foreign secretary David Miliband, former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown, and the Italian writer Umberto Eco, has urged the United Nations to unite around the Arab League's peace plan for ending the violence in Syria.
The Turkish paper Zaman, quotes a open letter to the UN from the group as saying: "splits among the international community have provided the Assad regime with a license to kill [and] that license must be withdrawn."The Turkish paper Zaman, quotes a open letter to the UN from the group as saying: "splits among the international community have provided the Assad regime with a license to kill [and] that license must be withdrawn."
8.28am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Activists claim more than a dozen people have been killed in Homs after the UN-Arab League envoy, Kofi Annan, left Syria without securing an agreement to stop the violence.8.28am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Activists claim more than a dozen people have been killed in Homs after the UN-Arab League envoy, Kofi Annan, left Syria without securing an agreement to stop the violence.
Here's a roundup in more detail:Here's a roundup in more detail:
SyriaSyria
• Syrian activist groups say pro-government gunmen have killed more than a dozen people in the embattled central city of Homs. Syria's state media confirmed deaths in Homs, but blamed "armed terrorists."• Syrian activist groups say pro-government gunmen have killed more than a dozen people in the embattled central city of Homs. Syria's state media confirmed deaths in Homs, but blamed "armed terrorists."
• Kofi Annan has left Syria without a deal to end the year-old conflict in the country, as regime forces mounted a new assault on rebel strongholds in the north. The former UN secretary general said he had presented the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, with concrete proposals "which will have a real impact on the ground".• Kofi Annan has left Syria without a deal to end the year-old conflict in the country, as regime forces mounted a new assault on rebel strongholds in the north. The former UN secretary general said he had presented the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, with concrete proposals "which will have a real impact on the ground".
• Annan will now try to persuade the fractured Syrian opposition to form a more united front, according to the New York Times. It also reports that Arab League officials are hoping that a peace plan agreed to on Saturday between Arab foreign ministers and Russia could pave the way for a United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria. In the proposal, Arab League members dropped their demand that Assad step down and said there should be no "foreign interference" in the conflict, meeting some of the demands of Russia and China, which have vetoed previous resolutions.• Annan will now try to persuade the fractured Syrian opposition to form a more united front, according to the New York Times. It also reports that Arab League officials are hoping that a peace plan agreed to on Saturday between Arab foreign ministers and Russia could pave the way for a United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria. In the proposal, Arab League members dropped their demand that Assad step down and said there should be no "foreign interference" in the conflict, meeting some of the demands of Russia and China, which have vetoed previous resolutions.
• US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, is due meet Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, at the UN today, where she will be hoping for signs that Russia is willing to back a new draft resolution on Syria, the Christian Science Monitor reports. But state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland acknowledged that recent consultations with council members had not resulted in an "agreed text," and added that she was not "overly optimistic" that an agreement could be reached "in the near future".• US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, is due meet Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, at the UN today, where she will be hoping for signs that Russia is willing to back a new draft resolution on Syria, the Christian Science Monitor reports. But state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland acknowledged that recent consultations with council members had not resulted in an "agreed text," and added that she was not "overly optimistic" that an agreement could be reached "in the near future".
• Foreign media companies bear the responsibility for anything that happens to journalists who "sneak" into Syria, Assad's government has warned. Meanwhile, the funeral will be held today for Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin who was killed last month in the Baba Amr area of Homs, in an attack on a makeshift media centre.• Foreign media companies bear the responsibility for anything that happens to journalists who "sneak" into Syria, Assad's government has warned. Meanwhile, the funeral will be held today for Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin who was killed last month in the Baba Amr area of Homs, in an attack on a makeshift media centre.
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia
• Thousands of students at an all-female university boycotted lectures at the weekend to protest against poor services, in a rare display of dissent from women in the Islamic kingdom. Students said security forces had broken up an earlier protest at King Khalid university on Wednesday, leaving dozens injured.• Thousands of students at an all-female university boycotted lectures at the weekend to protest against poor services, in a rare display of dissent from women in the Islamic kingdom. Students said security forces had broken up an earlier protest at King Khalid university on Wednesday, leaving dozens injured.
GazaGaza
• A 12-year-old boy was killed in Gaza on Sunday amid a spiralling round of militant rocket attacks and Israeli air strikes over the weekend that left at least 18 Palestinians dead and four people in Israel injured. A further 50 Palestinians were injured, five seriously, according to medical services in Gaza.• A 12-year-old boy was killed in Gaza on Sunday amid a spiralling round of militant rocket attacks and Israeli air strikes over the weekend that left at least 18 Palestinians dead and four people in Israel injured. A further 50 Palestinians were injured, five seriously, according to medical services in Gaza.
EgyptEgypt
• An army doctor has been acquitted of carrying out forced "virginity tests" on female protesters in Egypt last year. The presiding judge said there had been contradictions in the witness testimonies of the three women who came forward. Human rights campaigners dismissed the verdict as a sham and a protest march against the high court in Cairo is planned for this Friday.• An army doctor has been acquitted of carrying out forced "virginity tests" on female protesters in Egypt last year. The presiding judge said there had been contradictions in the witness testimonies of the three women who came forward. Human rights campaigners dismissed the verdict as a sham and a protest march against the high court in Cairo is planned for this Friday.
BahrainBahrain
• Police use teargas on opposition activists after unrest following the funeral of a protester who died as a result of a head wound he received in a previous demonstration, the Telegraph reports. Hundreds of opposition supporters attended the funeral of 22-year-old Fadhel Mirza in Diraz, west of Bahrain's capital, Manama on Saturday.• Police use teargas on opposition activists after unrest following the funeral of a protester who died as a result of a head wound he received in a previous demonstration, the Telegraph reports. Hundreds of opposition supporters attended the funeral of 22-year-old Fadhel Mirza in Diraz, west of Bahrain's capital, Manama on Saturday.