SYRIAN ACTIVISTS SAY a protest inside the Damascus University campus has turned violent, as student protesters clashed with security forces.

Hundreds of students had gathered for the rare protest, calling for further government reform and stronger unity among Syrians.

Over 170 people have been killed since the protests began on 18 March. Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch called on the Syrian government to “stop using unjustified lethal force” against demonstrators.

About 2,000 mourners attended today’s funeral for four protesters killed in the port city of Banias yesterday during clashes between pro-reform protesters and security forces. The army has been deployed to Banias today as demonstrations against the government continue.

In an apparent bid to garner the support of conservative Muslims, Syrian president Bashar Assad lifted a ban on teachers wearing the Islamic veil and closed Syria’s only casino last week. He also pledged to create a range of committees which will consider reforms, but protesters feel that he hasn’t gone far enough in facilitating those reforms.

- Additional reporting by the AP