DAMASCUS, May 21 (Reuters) - Syrian security forces shot dead at least 30 demonstrators on Friday during protests that broke out across the country in defiance of a military crackdown which has killed hundreds of people, rights activists said.
Other activists reported demonstrations elsewhere across Syria, a day after the United States told President Bashar al-Assad to reform or step down.
Syria has barred most international media since the protests broke out two months ago, making it impossible to verify independently accounts from activists and officials. But activists reported protests from Banias and Latakia on the Mediterranean to the oil producing region of Deir al-Zor, Qamishli in the Kurdish east and the Hauran Plain in the south.
“No dialogue with tanks,” said banners carried by Kurdish protesters who shouted “azadi”, the Kurdish word for freedom, rejecting promises by the authorities for a national dialogue, a witness said.
Rights lawyer Razan Zaitouna said at least 30 demonstrators died on Friday.
Britain, said at least 831 civilians had been killed since the uprising against autocratic rule erupted in the southern city of Deraa nine weeks ago. It said at least 10,000 people had been arrested, including hundreds across Syria on
Friday. |
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