27 dead in assault on Syrian protest, say activists

Opponents of the Syrian regime demonstrate outside the Syrian embassy in Ankara on Friday. About 100 Syrians living in the Turkish capital called on all Syrians to unite and fight to end a bloody crackdown under Syrian President Bashar Assad. The banner in Turkish reads: " No to Baath dictatorship. End to massacre in Syria! ". Photo: AP.

A Syrian rights group says security forces opened fire during one of the largest anti—government protests so far in the 10—week revolt, killing at least 27 people.

Rami Abdul—Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says tens of thousands of people were protesting in Hama when security forces opened fire.

He says Friday’s protest in Hama was among the largest yet in the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime.

Syrians poured into the streets throughout the country on Friday to demand Mr. Assad’s ouster, rejecting government concessions to free political prisoners and start a national dialogue.