Darfur’s UPF says the murdered student was one of its members

March 18, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — A Darfur student union denied statements by north Darfur government saying the victim who was killed in this week clashes with the police was a supporter of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP).

“Jamal (Adam Mustafa) was a member of the United popular Front (UPF) since the fifth January 2009, a spokesperson of the student group who requested anonymity told Sudan Tribune, from the troubled region.

The UPF is seen as supportive of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur.

On 16 March, the police forces clashed at the University of El-Fasher with the students who held a debate on the political situation in the country despite the ban imposed by the administration of the university.

The police and security forces surrounded the buildings of the university and fired tear gas on the protesters and the sounds of gunshots were heard inside the university.

The UPF leading member told Sudan Tribune by telephone that “the police opened fire on the students inside the courtyards of the university”. He further dismissed state’s statements that the students were armed.

“These are lies. The truth is that none of us had any arm” he said adding “We are determined to keep struggling peacefully to achieve the ambitions of our people for the justice and democracy”.

Since the incident the administration announced closed the university and no date is yet fixed for the resumption of studies.

The UNAMID appealed yesterday on the Sudanese university to respect the “fundamental” right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

The student urged the UNAMID to investigate the incident and to report to the UN Secretary General and the International Criminal Court.

(ST)