Thousands of Syrians call for the overthrow of Assad

THOUSANDS of Syrians called for the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad yesterday at a funeral for protesters killed by security forces in the southern town of Nawa, a witness said.

“Long live Syria. Down with Bashar!” mourners chanted during the funeral in Nawa, 25km north of the city of Deraa where demonstrations against Assad’s authoritarian rule first erupted last month.

“Leave, leave. The people want the overthrow of the regime,” they shouted.