Hundreds of antigovernment protestors marched through a middle-class neighborhood in Damascus on Saturday. It was the largest demonstration near the heart of the capital since the uprising began eleven months ago. Some protestors carried palm fronds to show their peaceful intent. Up until now, the relative calm of Damascus has been cited by the government as validation that it has wide support in Syria. Security forces tried to use sound grenades and tear gas to disperse the march. One protestor was killed and dozens were arrested when security forces chased them into alleys and searched houses. During a smaller demonstration after a Friday prayer sermon, three men were shot dead. Their deaths prompted the demonstration on Saturday.