He said: "In Syria, the protesters are not going to back down.

Almost three weeks have passed since the convention ended and all the other protesters have gone.

Most protesters went peacefully, although observers said the police kicked and punched several.

The government appeared to hope that the protesters would grow weary and go back to the negotiating table.

Some protesters went on to join the direct action campaign Reclaim the Streets.

Some protesters go to neighboring groups to assist in teaching the hand signals along with other general cooperation.

Another senior convention organizer said: "You know the protesters are going to be here.

"The guests are still there; the protesters have gone home; the G isn't alert."

Then the protesters went back to the business at hand.

Reports later suggested that the protesters had gone home of their own volition.