Death toll in Syria protests climbs to at least 25

Security forces shot dead at least 25 pro-democracy protesters in Syria on Friday, human rights campaigners said,  as protesters flooded into the streets after prayers in at least five major areas across the country.

The protesters were killed in suburbs and towns surrounding Damascus, in the central city of Homs and in the southern town of Izra’a, two established Syrian human rights organisations keeping a tally of civilian deaths told Reuters.

Syrian security forces fired live bullets and tear gas at the tens of thousands of people shouting for freedom and democracy. 

Read more at Haaretz.com.