Opposition RNM to hold public meeting defying police ban

October 15, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The opposition Reform Now Movement (RNM) said determined to hold a public meeting in Khartoum North next week despite a police refusal to grant a permit for the rally.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday, the RNM said they applied for a permit to hold a rally in Khartoum North’s suburb of Shambat next Tuesday but the police authorities refused to allow the organization of the public meeting.

RNM spokesperson Ayman Hazim said they decided to hold Tuesday’s rally after a first verbal rejection by the police Thursday to authorize its organization on Saturday.

“By such practices the authorities prove that the decision of President of the Republic to ensure freedoms is just for political consummation and that the government still muzzles mouths and violates freedoms,” Hazim stressed.

Speaking at the opening session of the national dialogue meeting on 10 October; President Omer al-Bashir said he directed to ensure freedoms in the country in order to create a conducive environment during the three month process.

The RNM, which suspended its participation in the national dialogue to protest the lack of political freedoms, said it will continue to peacefully denounce the government’s nonsense claims and will not abandon its right to meet Sudanese.

Several opposition parties including the RNM organize sporadic meetings in the markets and public places in the capital Khartoum to denounced to government policies, and corruption.

The opposition party led by former presidential adviser Ghazi Salah al-Din Attabani split from the ruling National Congress Party in December 2013 over calls for reforms among the Sudanese Islamists.

(ST)