DAMASCUS (BBC) - Syrian security forces have arrested dozens of people, hours after clashes at pro-democracy protests in several cities left at least seven people dead, activists say. Most arrests came in the southern city of Deraa and the Damascus suburb of Duma, scene of the worst violence.
The government said its forces were not responsible for the deaths, blaming them on "armed groups".
Coverage of the protests is difficult to gauge because of media restrictions. Some reports said as many as 15 people had died in Friday's clashes.
An eyewitness told the Associated Press news agency that there was tension in Duma, with security forces patrolling the streets and checking documents. Other residents said bodies of some of the dead had been withheld, amid fears that funerals would spark further violence.
A joint statement by eight human rights groups, quoted by AFP news agency, said 46 people were arrested.
President Bashar al-Assad said earlier this week that demonstrations were part of a foreign "plot", but he has agreed to examine unpopular emergency laws in place since 1963.
Activists and rights groups estimate that between 60 and 130 people have died in clashes in the past two weeks. Government officials say the death toll is closer to 30.
Analysis: "Whether or not protester deaths are connected to the Assad regime, they will be perceived as such. The Baath government should take care not to initiate violence with protesters. It would also be in the government's interest to protect protesters from these 'armed groups' if they are, in fact, not sanctioned by Assad."
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