Human Rights Watch recently released this article about the detention of Syrian writers and activists who express critical opinions and work to disseminate information online:

http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/10/08/syria17024.htm

When trying train people in many locations, try web conferencing. Participants can log into the web conference and call in on a phone line to access the training. The benefit is that people don't have to travel to be together to hear from the trainer or the subject matter expert. There are many companies who offer web conferencing software and two are listed below as resources.