Rights group accuses Syria of hiding detainees from monitors

Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused the Syrian government Wednesday of hiding hundreds of detainees from an Arab League monitoring mission visiting the troubled country dpa reported

"Syrian authorities have transferred perhaps hundreds of detainees to off-limits military sites to hide them from Arab League monitors now in the country," the New York-based watchdog said in a statement.

"Syria's subterfuge makes it essential for the Arab League to draw clear lines regarding access to detainees, and be willing to speak out when those lines are crossed," said Sarah Leah Whitson, the HRW Middle East director.