(Euronews: 2334 PST, April 22, 2011) Good Friday has been rebaptised "Great Friday" by Syrian activists who, via social internet networks, are calling for a united front of protests by Muslims and Christians against the regime today.

Since March the government has been rocked by protests in many cities, all of which have been violently put down with blood spilled. Although President Assad yesterday abolished the 48-year old state of emergency in a bid to placate his opponents, critics say a raft of repressive laws still exist.