The Syrian government has passed a draft law to end emergency rule after 48 years, but pro-democracy protesters fear the move will do little to reduce human rights abuses. A new law has already been introduced requiring Syrians to obtain a permit from the state if they want to hold demonstrations. On Tuesday, Syrian security forces arrested Mahmoud Issa, a prominent opposition figure. Protests are continuing across Syria. In the city of Homs, at least 20 pro-democracy protesters had been reportedly shot dead by security forces in the past two days.