Hundreds in London join day of action to support Arab Spring protesters

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in London yesterday to show solidarity with protesters in the Middle East and North Africa.

The demonstration, in Trafalgar Square, had live links with the Syrian towns of Deraa and Idlib as part of Amnesty International's "global day of action". Similar events were held in 21 other countries, according to the human rights group.

Western diplomats have warned that Syrians involved in the brutal suppression of anti-regime protests will be held accountable.

Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's secretary general, told the London protesters: "Our message to the people of the Middle East and North Africa is that you are not alone."