More than 30 students arrested after attack on university buildings

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Oct 9, 2004 (AP) — Police alleged Sudanese students burned and looted university student hostels in Khartoum on Saturday. More than 30 students were arrested.

The official Sudan Media Center said the students attacked the University of Khartoum hostels to protest new identification measures adopted to control access to the building.

Eyewitnesses said students burned and looted the buildings located in downtown Khartoum and blocked roads leading to the university for a short period of time before police dispersed the students using tear gas.

It was not immediately clear if any people were injured, neither was it clear where the riots were politically motivated.

Khartoum police chief Brig. Faisal Babikir said police arrested more than 30 students and would charge them with public disorder and looting.

The Sudan Media Center alleged that the protesting students attacked university guards and completely burned down the hostels, which are opposite the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and army headquarters.