Security forces in Syria have reportedly shot dead at least 28 protesters, as hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the country in the biggest anti-government demonstrations so far.
Activists said police fired live ammunition and teargas in the capital Damascus, killing 16 people. About 20,000 reportedly took part in protests there.
Another five people are reported dead in similar circumstances elsewhere in Syria.
Anti-government demonstrations against President Bashar al-Assad began in March. Rights groups claim than than 1400 civilians have been killed since then.
International journalists are denied access to Syria and the figures cannot be independently verified.
