Thousands gather to mourn dead protesters in Syria

Some 20,000 people have gathered in the Syrian city of Daraa on Thursday for the burial of victims killed in clashes with police, according to reports. More than 100 pro-democracy protesters were killed by police gunfire in Daraa on Wednesday, human rights activists and witnesses say.

Reuters

Human rights activists say police used real bullets when firing at demonstrators in Daraa, south of Damascus.

"There are definitely more than 100 dead and the city will need a week to bury its martyrs," said human rights activist Ayman al-Asswad in Daraa told AFP.

On Thursday, thousands were gathering in Daraa for the funeral of nine protesters. Shops and schools were closed as soldiers wielding AK-47s were seen patrolling the streets. Entrances to the city were also sealed off.

The main hospital in the Syrian city says it has received the bodies of at least 25 protesters.

On Wednesday afternoon, security forces opened fire on hundreds of youths in a dramatic escalation of nearly a week of protests.

Demonstrations erupted last week in Syria, with protesters marching for political freedoms and an end to corruption. Pro-democracy activists in Syria have called for protests on Friday.