Protesters hold a Syrian flag during a demonstration in Zabadani, near Damascus, April 22, 2011
Rights groups and activists say at least 75 people were killed in Syria on Friday, after security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters who rallied across the country.
The toll would make Friday the deadliest single day of protests in the country since the anti-government uprising began in March.
Witnesses and activists say security forces used live ammunition and tear gas on protesters, who poured onto the streets after Friday prayers and called for President Bashar al-Assad’s immediate departure.
The deaths were reported in areas including the southern Daraa region, the central city of Homs and communities near the capital, Damascus.
In Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the latest use of force and said the Syrian government’s “outrageous” use of violence against the protesters must “end now.”
He also accused Assad of “seeking Iranian assistance in repressing Syria’s citizens” using brutal tactics.
Friday’s rallies against 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.
There was no immediate confirmation of the deaths by Syrian authorities. State-run SANA news said 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.”
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
