More than 50 protestors were killed in clashes with Syrian security forces on Friday as thousands took part in “Day of Rage” demonstrations against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, Al Jazeera repoted, quoting activists.
Protesters marched on Friday in many cities and towns across Syria, including Homs, Hama, Qamishli, Banias, as well as some Damascus suburbs, to support residents of the southern city of Daraa who remain under siege by security forces since Monday, Al Jazeera said.
At least 15 people were reported killed near Deraa while trying to enter the besieged city, the TV channel said.
Friday’s demonstrations were backed by the Muslim Brotherhood, Syria’s most influential Islamist group. This was the first time when the Brotherhood has openly called for people to take to the streets since an unrest began in the country in mid-March.
The Syrian authorities have claimed that the protests have been organized by terrorist and extremist groups.
Russia, along with 14 other countries, opposed on Wednesday a draft UN Security Council statement condemning the actions of the Syrian government, saying the events do not threaten global security.
Some 200 Syrian officials resigned on Friday in protest against the bloody crackdown, which has already left more than 500 people dead.
MOSCOW, April 30 (RIA Novosti)