Witnesses: 38 Killed After Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters
VOA News April 22, 2011
Witnesses and rights activists say Syrian security forces fired on anti-government protesters on Friday, killing at least 38 people.
The deaths, which were reported across the country, could make Friday one of the deadliest days since the protests in Syria began in March.
The incidents were reported after thousands of protesters across Syria took to the streets to demand President Bashar al-Assad's immediate departure. Security forces responded with live ammunition and tear gas.
The reports say the majority of deaths occurred in the southern Daraa region, a hotbed for recent demonstrations. News agencies say witnesses have also reported deaths in the region of the capital, Damascus, and in the central city of Homs.
Friday's rallies against President Assad's government came one day after the president signed a decree ending almost 50 years of emergency rule. The decree was part of his effort to end anti-government unrest.
Witnesses say protesters at some rallies on Friday chanted "freedom" as they called for an end to Assad's rule.
There was no immediate confirmation of the deaths by Syrian authorities. State-run SANA news said says police and security forces responded with tear gas and hoses on Friday after "scuffles" erupted between demonstrators and citizens.
A Facebook page calling for people to join the rallies called them the "Good Friday" protests - a reference to the holy day when Christians believe Christ was crucified and died in Jerusalem. A website image shows Christian and Muslim images together with the words "one heart, one hand, one goal."
Amnesty International said Friday's demonstrations could be the largest yet in Syria. The group says a government crackdown on protests has killed at least 228 people since last month.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.
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