Syrian Forces Fire on Funeral of Kurdish Opposition Leader

Posted October 8th, 2011 at 7:05 am (UTC-5)
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Syrian security forces have opened fire at the funeral of a slain Kurdish opposition leader, killing at least one person.

The shooting occurred Saturday as some 50,000 people rallied in the streets of Qamishli at the funeral of Mashaal Tammo, one of the country's most prominent opposition figures.

The mourners called on President Bashar al-Assad's government to step down with chants of “leave, leave.” At least one person was wounded in the firing.

Tammo, one of Syria's most prominent opposition figures, was killed Friday by masked gunmen who stormed his house in the northeastern city. It is not clear who was responsible for the attack.

Tammo was a member of the newly formed opposition Syrian National Council and founding member of the Kurdish Future Party.