Syrian forces raid homes

Security forces and gunmen loyal to Assad have killed at least 112 people over the last two days. They fired at protesters demanding political freedoms and an end to corruption on Friday.

Security operatives in plain clothes wielding assault rifles broke into homes in the suburb of Harasta just after midnight on Sunday,arresting activists in the area,known as the Ghouta.

Assad lifted an emergency law on Thursday,in place since his Baath Party seized power 48 years ago,in a bid to appease protesters and ease international criticism. Opponents say the crackdown that followed shows the move was hollow.

In the restive city of Homs in central Syria,security forces arrested Mansour al-Ali,a prominent figure from the minority ruling Alawite sect,after he spoke out against the shooting by security forces of protesters demanding democratic change,another activist in Homs told Reuters.