Global General

Syria says 192 'rioters' turn themselves in

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-07 12:00

DAMASCUS - Syrian Interior Ministry said Friday 192 people who were involved in recent riots have turned themselves in late Thursday and Friday to specialized authorities.

The ministry said in a statement carried by Syria's official SANA news agency that the total number of those who turned themselves in has reached 553 so far, adding that they have been immediately released after pledging not to repeat acts that might harm the country and the citizens.

The ministry has recently appealed the rioters to turn themselves to the ministry before May 15, vowing to release them without any punishment.

The ministry warned against staging any demonstration in the country "under any title" before getting official permission.

Syria has been gripped by seven weeks of protests amid calls for reforms. The protests have left more than a hundred army personnel and security agents killed across the country.

Syria blamed the violent acts on "extremist terrorist groups."