Syrian security forces dispersed some 150 people who demonstrated in front of the Interior Ministry in downtown Damascus on Wednesday. They were demanding the release of political detainees.
Reports quoted an eyewitness as saying that dozens of security personnel dressed in civilian clothing beat the crowd with batons. At least one of the demonstrators was hit in the head.
The protesters gathered peacefully near the building and hoisted pictures of their relatives and friends who are held in prisons. Eyewitness said the clashes with security forces ended with the arrest of at least five people.
The rare demonstrations in Syria started yesterday in a number of Syrian cities, including central Damascus.
