To many here, the arrest seemed to signal a new crackdown on social freedoms.

In Beijing, where dogs have always been banned, the police began a new crackdown two years ago.

The new crackdown clearly marked a serious escalation by the authorities.

It was not clear, however, whether that signaled a new crackdown.

Leaders of the two groups affected by the new crackdown are not known to have preached violence.

A new crackdown on free expression is under way.

It is unclear if the rules presage a new crackdown.

Iraqi officials said it was part of the new crackdown, but similar operations have been under way for weeks.

Rabies is the primary reason offered for the new crackdown.

City officials said the arrests reflected the new crackdown on school violence.