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Syrian Forces Raid Pro-Democracy Campaigners

   VOA News  April 24, 2011
   Syrian anti-government protesters carry the coffin of an activist who
   was killed on Friday

Photo: AP

   In this citizen journalism image made on a mobile phone and acquired
   Saturday April 23, 2011, by The AP, Syrian anti-government protesters
   carry the coffin of an activist who was killed on Friday during his
   funeral procession in Quaboun near Damascus, Syria, Saturday, April 23,
   2011

   Rights groups say Syrian security forces conducted several raids late
   Saturday near Damascus, detaining a top pro-democracy activist
   following a deadly crackdown on protesters.
   At least 12 people were killed Saturday when Syrian security forces and
   snipers opened fire on mourners attending funerals, one day after the
   bloodiest crackdown so far in the uprising against President Bashar
   al-Assad.
   Also Saturday, two Syrian parliament members announced they are
   resigning in protest against the killings of civilians.
   Rights groups and witnesses say Saturday's shootings took place in the
   Damascus suburb of Douma and the southern town of Izraa. Thousands of
   people had gathered at both locations to protest the deaths of at least
   75 people on Friday.
   Friday's deadly crackdown came one day after President Assad signed a
   decree ending almost 50 years of emergency rule. The decree was part of
   his effort to end anti-government unrest by meeting some of the demands
   of protesters.
   The Associated Press reports at least 120 people have been killed in
   two days of violence condemned by worlds leaders including U.S.
   President Barack Obama.

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