Sudan’s capital erupts in protests over killing of woman by police

March 6, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – Two protests broke out in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Tuesday after a woman was killed by police.

The victim Awadia Agabna was shot dead the day before outside her house in Al-Deim area in central Khartoum by members of the Public Order Police (POP) following a scuffle between them and her brother who they accused of being drunk, eye witnesses told Sudan Tribune.

The victim’s mother was also injured in the clashes, they said.

The incident sparked strong protests the following day in Al-Deim and some parts of Al-Sahafah area where angry demonstrators attacked POP stations. Police forces used teargas and batons to break up the demonstrations.

A statement released by the police on Tuesday claimed that their forces were “assaulted” by members of the victim’s family who tried to seize the police arms, which prompted the commander of the force to “fire three shots in the air.”

The police’s statement said that a committee would be formed to investigate the incident.

Sudan Tribune has learned that local newspapers received direct orders from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) not to report on the incident.

(ST)