Damascus: Protests continue in several Syrian cities as at least four people have been killed in another day of anti-government protests, activists have said.
Protest marches against Baath Party rule broke out in cities in the north and south after Friday prayers, including in the flashpoint city of Daraa.
Hundreds of people took to the streets in and around the capital, Damascus, in the afternoon as security forces and ruling party loyalists attacked protesters with batons in Rifaii mosque in the city.
Syrian forces reportedly fired tear gas at protesters in the suburb of Douma, and in the coastal cities of Latakia and Banias.
Media reports said at least four people were killed in the afternoon after government forces started using live fire against protesters in Douma.
“Some protesters told us they were there chanting for freedom peacefully,” she said.
“The security forces in plain clothes tried to disperse them with sticks … people started running into the alleys, and then the security forces started shooting at them.”
A girl was killed in the industrial city of Homs north of Damascus after gunmen opened fire on civilians.
For the first time, the government acknowledged that pro-reform demonstrations were being held, but said there was no friction between security forces and protesters.
The state media reported that worshippers left mosques in Daraa and Latakia “chanting slogans in honour of the martyr and calling for speeding up measures for reform”, adding there were “no clashes between worshippers and security forces in these gatherings”.
The United States on Friday “condemned and deplored” the use of violence against the protesters, and lauded the “courage and dignity” of the Syrian people.
“We condemn and deplore the use of violence against citizens demonstrating in Syria,” a statement from the White House said.
“We urge all parties to maintain calm and avoid violence, and call on the Syrian government to respect human rights and to allow for peaceful demonstrations.
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