Syians killed despite Arab League presence

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians poured into the streets across the nation Friday in the largest protests in months. There was non let up in violence after prayers on Friday despite the presence Arab League monitors in Syria.

Activists said that Syrian forces killed a number of people, most of them shot during anti-government protests.

They also reported that in the cities of Idlib and Hama there were an estimated 250 people taking part in rallies. Other protests were held in Daraa and around Damascus.

As the violence continues in Syria questions are being asked as to whether Arab League member states, with some of the world's poorest human rights records, are fit for the mission to monitor compliance with a plan to end to the crackdown on political opponents by security forces.

There are also fears that President Assad’s regime is co-operating with observers in order to buy time and stall more international condemnation and sanctions.

The Arab League mission, is being seen a reinvigorating the protest movement, with tens of thousands turning out this week in cities and neighbourhoods where the observers are expected to visit.

The United Nations says some 5,000 people have been killed in the government campaign since March. Listen