75 Protesters Killed in Clashes with Syrian Security Forces - Report

Protesters hold a Syrian flag during a demonstration in Zabadani, near Damascus, April 22, 2011 Photo from VOA

At least 75 people were killed in Syria on Friday as thousands staged protest rallies against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, according to unconfirmed reports.

According to rights groups and activities, as cited by VOA, 73 Syrians were killed around the country when security forces opened fire on protesters.

The toll would make Friday the deadliest single day of protests in Syria since the anti-government uprising began on March 18, 2011.

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.

Friday's rallies against Assad's government came one day after the president signed a decree ending almost 50 years of emergency rule, a move designed by the president to quell the protest wave.

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.

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