Arrest of Sudanese opposition Umma leaders

Sept 7, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Several prominent members of the Sudanese opposition Umma party were arrested Wednesday when police cracked down on a demonstration against price rise for basic goods, the Akhbaralyoum daily reported Thursday.

Thousands of riot policemen, armed with shields, baton and Kalashinikov guns, deployed in main streets in central Khartoum Wednesday to deal with the demonstration, which was attended by nearly 1,000 people, the report said.

Police arrested hundreds of demonstrators, the report said, adding that most of the detainees were released soon except several prominent Sudanese politicians including Siddig Al Sadig Al Mahdi, Mariam Al Sadig Al Mahdi and Sara Nougdallah.

Sadig Al Mahdi, the Umma party’s leader and Imam of the Ansar Movement, called for a peaceful demonstration, condemning “unjustified increase” in prices of fuel, sugar and wheat.

President Omar el-Bashir strongly criticized the demonstration, saying that “the spoilers and agents are exploiting freedom and democracy.”

Addressing a mass rally in the eastern city of Kassala on Wednesday evening, el-Bashir said that raising prices was aimed at building the country.

(Xinhua/ST)