Damascus: Security forces have used tear gas and batons to disperse tens of thousands of protesters in Damascus, witnesses said. The protesters called for reforms, while some demanded the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
The protests, in Damascus and other cities, are believed to be the largest in a month of unrest in which about 200 people have been reported killed.
Assad has made some concessions while cracking down on dissent.
Thousands of people were reported to have demonstrated in a number of other Syrian cities, including Deraa, Latakia, Baniyas and Qamishli – places where violence has been previously reported.
State media reported that “small demonstrations” had taken place in different parts of the country and security forces did not intervene.
The mass protest in the suburbs of Damascus marks a major escalation of Syria’s month of unrest, which has largely bypassed the capital.
Analysts said Friday’s protests were the largest since they began in the southern city of Deraa on March 15.
The protesters say they want greater freedoms, including a repeal of the decades-old security law, which bans public gatherings of more than five people.
Some are calling for the overthrow of the president, who rules with a tight grip through his family and the security forces.
Assad has offered some concessions, forming a new government on Thursday and pronouncing amnesty for an undisclosed number of people detained in the last month.
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