Syrian authorities torture detained protesters: HRW

NEW YORK: Human Rights Watch (HRW) a leading international rights group says Syrian security and intelligence agencies have detained and tortured hundreds of protesters since anti-regime rallies engulfed Syria last month.

HRW urged Syrian authorities on Friday to immediately stop the use of torture and free all demonstrators, activists, and journalists in custody.

The New York-based HRW says hundreds have been arbitrarily detained and subjected to "torture and ill-treatment." It didn't provide a precise number.