(Al Jazeera English: 0908 PT, May 6, 2011) Reem Haddad, a spokesperson for the Syrian information ministry, spoke to Al Jazeera about the rolling nationwide protests. She denied knowledge of the deaths reported during on Friday, as thousands of protesters took to the streets across Syria to protest against the government.

She also said the UN delegation which will be visiting Syria to investigate allegations would be a positive thing for the government: "The Syrian government is not worried, because there is nothing wrong ... Syria is a mosaic, it is made of many different sects living together, in harmony."

She denied any knowledge of the arrest of Riad Seif, a member of parliament and leading opposition activist, or about the detention of Al Jazeera journalist Dorothy Parvaz.

(Euronews: 0759 PT, May 6, 2011) Protests have broken out across Syria as thousands heeded calls for a "day of defiance" against the regime. Reports say that security forces killed five pro-democracy demonstrators and wounded dozens more in the city of Homs.

The protests began as Friday prayers ended. A march in Damascus did not last long before it was broken up. One opposition leader, Riad Seif, was arrested with other demonstrators, according to human rights campaigners. Witnesses said security forces fired at protesters just north of the capital, wounding some.

Protest on Syria's 'Day of Defiance'

(France 24: 0617 PT, May 6, 2011) Thousands of anti-regime demonstrators have taken to the streets across Syria following Friday prayers for a "day of defiance." Security forces are out en masse and have reportedly opened fire in at least one town.