An official of a human rights group describes a ` ` ' '' of arrests across Syria . At least 117 anti - government activists and intellectuals were arrested , the official says . ` ` We were able to arrest only 117 ... Other parts of the country also were tense as military and security forces gathered around government buildings and university campuses in anticipation of protests . we expect the number to be a lot higher , '' he says .
An official of a human rights group describes a ` ` ' '' of arrests across Syria . At least 117 anti - government activists and intellectuals were arrested , the official says . ` ` We were able to arrest only 117 ... we expect the number to be a lot higher , '' he says .