Syrian singer slaughtered after writing, leading anti-Bashar song

From Now Lebanon:

A graphic video posted on YouTube Wednesday claims to show the body of Syrian activist Ibrahim Kashoush after having his throat slashed by security forces in Hama. His body was reportedly found dumped in the Assi River on Wednesday morning.

Kashoush’s song “Yalla Erhal Ya Bashar” (It’s time to leave, Bashar) gained recognition in recent weeks as the spirited anthem for peaceful demonstrators demanding an end to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

He reportedly joined crowds in Hama for massive street demonstrations that took place [last] Friday, where as many as 500,000 protesters gathered in protest, according to activists who spoke with AFP.

In the video below, Kashoush can be heard screaming the lyrics to a large group of people as they repeat the refrain with vibrant enthusiasm.


“To die but not be humiliated,” he sings in an eerily prophetic, but touching moment toward the end.

Here are the lyrics:

"Yalla Erhal Ya Bashar" -- It's time to leave, Bashar!!

Bashar, you’re a germ, your statements don't make sense, your news is that of an owl, and its time you leave Bashar!!

It's time you leave Bashar!!

Bashar, Maher and Rami are thieves, they've stolen from my brothers and uncles, Bashar it's time you leave!!

Bashar, screw you, and screw any who salute you, it's time you leave Bashar!!

Bashar, stop going in circles, your blood in Hama "mahdour" (killing you as a form of retribution is acceptable), your crimes here have not been forgiven.

It's time you leave Bashar!!

Bashar, you're an agent, screw you and the Baath party. It's time you leave Bashar.

Bashar, you're a liar, screw you and your speech. Freedom is near. It's time you leave Bashar!!

Bashar, you're damned, you believe you have words over us, we will not forgo our martyr's blood. It's time you leave Bashar!!

It's written on our flag: Bashar is a traitor to our nation.

To die but not to be humiliated.

The people want to bring down the regime!!