Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has instructed the release of 191 detainees who were arrested during protests held in Douma suburb over the past two weeks to demand further reforms in the county, local al-Watan daily website reported on Monday.

The report said that the new measure was taken during a meeting held Sunday between Assad and relatives of 12 persons killed during protests in Douma on Friday. Authorities blamed the bloodshed on "armed gangs."

The report also said that, Assad listened to Douma residents' demands, mainly the need to combat corruption.

Assad has made a series of gestures towards reform in response to the growing demand for change, including sacking his cabinet and removing two governors.