This post is also available in:
العربية
Assad’s forces checkpoints in Deir Ezzor city imposed informal duties (taxes) under the name of ikramiyat (tips) on the people travelling to the areas of the western countryside, Deir Ezzor 24 network correspondent said.
The elements of the 4th division take about 2000 to 5000 Syrian pounds as an “ikramiyah” from each person passing through their checkpoints at the western entrance of Deir Ezzor city, but if the travellers have luggages or goods with them, they have to pay more.
According to the correspondent, if any one refused to pay money for any reason, the checkpoints’ elements would get them down, beat, insult and force them back to the city center to bring “Ikramiyat” to be allowed to cross.
These practices are common in the areas controlled by Assad’s forces in Deir Ezzor, and people can’t lodge complaints against them as they fear reprisals.
