EXECUTIONS IN SYRIA

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30191, 24 July 1963, Page 7

EXECUTIONS IN SYRIA

Punishment For Revolt (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) BEIRUT, July 21. Five soldiers and two civilians were shot in a Damascus gaol today for their part in last Thursday’s abortive Syrian coup d'etat. Damascus Radio said they were executed after being sentenced to death by a court martial sitting in the prison. Twenty-seven persons have now been executed since the coup—l 4 civilians, including a woman, and 13 soldiers. Another soldier was today sentenced to five years’ hard labour. The court-martial was still sitting, the radio said. Arrests Ordered Reuter’s correspondent in Damascus said the Deputy Military Governor (MajorGeneral Amin El Hafez), had ordered the arrest of 58 people, including politicians, journalists and discharged Army officers. All belong to three groups which have been known to support the Egyptian President (Colonel Nasser). The groups were represented in the Cabinet of former Premier Salah ed Bin Bitar, formed immediately after the March 8 revolution. They later withdrew after differences over representation in the Cabinet and the National Revolutionary Council.