A/HRC/21/32 4,200 detainees. In its note verbale of 16 July 2012, the Government reported that more than 10,000 prisoners had benefited from four presidential amnesty decrees, as did a large number of citizens who had surrendered, handed over weapons and made a written commitment that they would refrain from carrying weapons or otherwise prejudicing the security and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic. 65. The Government reported in several notes verbales addressed to OHCHR that it had released 206 detainees on 10 June 2012 and 500 others on 13 June. Furthermore, it reportedly released 275 detainees on 10 July and 92 on 17 July. The Government did not share with OHCHR the list and details of the persons released. UNSMIS observed the release of 609 detainees countrywide in the context of three Government release exercises on 31 May, 14 June and 11 July 2012, as noted in my report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2043 (2012) (S/2012/523). 66. In its note verbale dated 16 July 2012, the Government denied that its security forces had imprisoned, tortured and killed children, pointing out that, if children were mistakenly arrested, they would be released immediately and not brought to court provided that they were under the minimum age of criminal responsibility. 67. There are continuing reports of anti-Government armed groups abducting or kidnapping individuals. Reports were received that, in some cases, payment was made or ammunition was provided in exchange for the release of people in their custody. J. Rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly 68. In subparagraphs 13 (d) and (e) of its resolution 19/22, the Human Rights Council demanded that the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, in accordance with the Plan of Action and the decisions of the League of Arab States, guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and allow access for all relevant institutions of the League. 69. It should be recalled that, under the six-point plan, the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic pledged to ensure respect for freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully. As noted in my report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2043 (2012) (S/2012/523), the broad context of human rights violations and intimidation in the Syrian Arab Republic does not constitute an environment in which citizens can express their opinions and demonstrate freely. Despite the risks of violence, protests continued to take place during the reporting period, albeit for shorter periods and on a smaller scale when compared with the demonstrations reported at the early stages of the crisis. Pro-Government demonstrations were also held in a range of locations. 70. There were continued reports of Government forces using excessive force, including live ammunition and lethal force, to disperse peaceful demonstrations in different parts of the country during the reporting period. According to reports received in May and June 2012, at least 200 demonstrators were treated for bullet wounds at local hospitals in Aleppo, of whom 10 reportedly died. Credible sources also reported that at least six civilian casualties, including four deaths, resulted from indiscriminate shooting by Government forces during a demonstration held in Aleppo on 6 July 2012. Furthermore, several demonstrators were detained for participating in protests without due process and held incommunicado. 15