Thousands of Syrians marched through a Damascus suburb Sunday in funerals for those killed in new protests, as the president appointed a former agriculture minister to form a new government as part of limited gestures to those calling for sweeping political change.
Human rights groups and activists say at least 10 people were killed during protests Friday in Douma, just outside the Syrian capital, and in nearby areas.
On Sunday, a witness told The Associated Press thousands of people gathered for prayers before the funeral of eight of the victims at Douma's Grand Mosque, which was at the center of Friday's protests.
The crowds shouted "We want Freedom" and "Douma and Daraa, one hand," in a reference to a drought-stricken and impoverished city in the south from where Syria's protests began on March 18.
"It looks like all of Douma is out on the streets today," said the witness, speaking by telephone on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. He said the two other people killed in areas near Douma were also buried Sunday. All the coffins were draped with Syrian flags, he added. The witness said there was no sign of security forces in Douma Sunday, adding that mourning tents for receiving condolences were set up in the city later.
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