Syria Violence: '19 Protesters Shot Dead'

Syrian security forces have shot dead at least 19 people during protests demanding the fall of President Bashar al Assad's regime, activists say.

Tens of thousands of people took part in rallies across the country, defying the leader's military crackdown.

The worst violence was in Homs, where activists said eight protesters were killed and state television said a policeman was killed by gunmen.

One person was also reportedly killed in Syria 's largest city of Aleppo, the first protester to die there since unrest erupted in the south of the country in March.

Witnesses claimed two people were killed in Harasta, a suburb of the capital Damascus.

Another two protesters were reportedly shot dead in the eastern city of Deir al Zor whilst trying to tear down posters of President Assad and his father.

Friday Muslim prayers have provided a platform for the biggest protests in the three-month uprising, inspired by revolts which have overthrown the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia.

The latest demonstrations took place in areas including the southern province of Deraa, the city of Hama north of Damascus, and suburbs of the capital itself.

They came just days after the military retook the rebellious town of Jisr al Shughour and sent thousands of refugees streaming across the nearby border into Turkey.

Syrian rights groups say 1,300 civilians and more than 300 soldiers and police have been killed since the protests broke out in March against 41 years of rule by the Assad family.

And 10,000 people have been detained, it is claimed.

Authorities blame the violence on armed groups and Islamists, backed by foreign powers.

Syria has barred most international journalists, making it difficult to verify accounts from activists and officials.