Syrian security forces gunned down 90 protesters yesterday in what opposition groups have dubbed the “Good Friday Massacre”, as tens of thousands took to the streets calling for the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and his Baath Party regime.
The dramatic footage captured by Aljazeera shows throngs of brave unarmed protesters walking defiantly towards Syrian soldiers when incessant gunfire breaks out, forcing the pro-democracy demonstrators to scramble to save their lives, which is followed by chaotic images of a wounded civilian punctured by a bullet being carried off by fellow protesters.
The video contrasts sharply with coverage by Syrian state television anchors who described the demonstrations as "peaceful".
U.S. President Barack Obama condemned Syria for what he called an "outrageous use of violence" and said in a statement that Assad has ignored his people's calls for freedom and has chosen "the path of repression."
The Obama administration was singing a different tune just a month ago, however, when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Assad a “reformer”.
It was the bloodiest day in a month of escalating demonstrations that many regional experts believe will soon spell the end of Assad’s rule.
The Local Coordination Committees activist group sent Reuters a list with names of 88 people that were killed, classified by region, which brings the death toll to around 300 since the unrest broke out in March.
Scores of protesters killed will be buried on Saturday in funerals expected to attract large crowds which many think will simply fuel the Assad government’s wrath.
Assad faces the most serious challenge of his 11-year rule because the Syrian people have grown weary of his regime's corruption and a 48-year old emergency law that bans opposition parties and demonstrations.
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