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Sudan Tribune

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FFC calls for international investigation into bloody crackdown in Sudan

Protester shroud

A protester holds a shroud on December 19, 2021 (ST photo)

December 31, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) called for an international investigation into the killing of over 50 people by the security forces during the anti-coup protests since last October.

After the military takeover of 25th October, the security forces used to open fire on mass protests.  During the recent rallies, some protesters held a shroud to show their determination to defy the unprecedented brutal crackdown.

During the protests on 30th December, the security forces went further to storm TV offices and beat journalists for covering the bloody violence.

In a statement issued after the crackdown, the FFC condemned the bloody violence and called on the regional and international communities, as well as all human rights groups to condemn it and to take practical steps against the coup leaders.

“We also urge the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to request that the Security Council forms an independent international committee to investigate the murder of more than fifty protesters who were killed (after the coup),” said the FFC.

UNITAMS Head Volker Perthes, on December 30, said “deeply disturbed” by the killing of protesters and called for “credible investigations into these violations”.

Following the demonstration on December 30, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the use of “lethal force” against peaceful protesters in Sudan

“Deeply troubled by reports that Sudanese security forces used lethal force against protesters, blacked out the internet, and attempted to shut down media outlets,” said Blinken in a tweet posted on Thursday.

In addition, he stressed the U.S. support for the Sudanese people in their demand for freedom, peace, and justice.

The Office of the European Union in Sudan also ” strongly” condemned the killing of peaceful protesters on Thursday.

“The continuation of the crackdown on media outlets is also unacceptable, as are the attacks on hospitals. Human rights and medical neutrality must be respected at all times,” added the statement.

The statement deplored the continued lack of “credible investigations” on the killing of over fifty protesters as provided in the political agreement signed with Prime Minister Hamdok.

 

(ST