It was billed a 'day of defiance', but this Friday has ended in bloodshed.

Syrian security forces have reportedly killed up to 30 protesters who were calling for the end of President Bashar al-Assad's leadership. Scores of people and opposition figures, including Riad Saif, a well-known activist and a member of parliament, were arrested.

And, in response to the growing crackdown, the European Union has now agreed to impose sanctions on government officials.

Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr's report contains amateur video footage which cannot be independently verified.