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Syrian Policeman Killed in Protests

   VOA News  April 16, 2011
   Demonstrators of Kurd origin march after Friday prayers in Qamishli,
   Syria, April 15, 2011

Photo: Reuters

   Demonstrators of Kurd origin march after Friday prayers in Qamishli,
   Syria, April 15, 2011

   Syria's state-run news agency says a policeman was beaten to death by
   protesters Friday in the central city of Homs.
   SANA reported Saturday that the police officer was hit with sticks and
   stones during a pro-democracy demonstration that had turned violent.
   Protests flared across Syria Friday, with the biggest demonstration in
   the southern city of Daraa, which has become the epicenter of the
   opposition.
   The demonstrations, which began last month, have turned violent at
   times as protesters have clashed with security forces. Human rights
   groups say more than 200 people have been killed as authorities cracked
   down on the protests. Syrian officials blame the unrest on lawless
   gangs.
   Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, facing growing resistance to his
   government, announced a new 30-member Cabinet on Thursday and ordered
   the release of people arrested during protests. The French news agency
   (AFP) says Assad will address the new government Saturday.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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