14 DAY TRIAL // Anonymous has broken into the website of the Syrian Ministry of Defense and left an encouragement message for the pro-democracy protesters on its home page.
People who accessed the mod.gov.sy website over the weekend saw an image depicting the Iranian flag together with the Anonymous logo and a message in English and Arabic.
Part of the message was addressed to the Syrian protesters and read: "To the Syrian people: The world stands with you against the brutal regime of Bashar Al-Assad.
"Know that time and history are on your side - tyrants use violence because they have nothing else, and the more violent they are, the more fragile they become. "We salute your determination to be non-violent in the face of the regime's brutality, and admire your willingness to pursue justice, not mere revenge. All tyrants will fall, and thanks to your bravery Bashar Al-Assad is next."
Syria has been plagued by an internal conflict since March when small pro-democracy protests escalated into a full uprising influenced by similar movements in the region.
The protesters demand for President Bashar al-Assad to step down and for the ruling party to reform and open the way for democratic elections.
The government attempted and still attempts to suppress the protests using armed forces, which resulted in over 1,000 people being killed so far.
Anonymous, which engaged in similar campaigns in support of protesters in Tunisia, Egypt and Lybia, also addressed the Syrian Army in their message.
"To the Syrian military: You are responsible for protecting the Syrian people, and anyone who orders you to kill women, children, and the elderly deserves to be tried for treason. No outside enemy could do as much damage to Syria as Bashar Al-Assad has done. Defend your country - rise up against the regime!" the hacktivist group wrote.
Other efforts of Anonymous to support Arab pro-democracy uprisings include the drafting of a manual to help activists hide their tracks online and communicate securely without being intercepted by oppressive governments.
