Sudanese security detains dozens of Khartoum University protesters
April 15, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) have arrested dozens of students from the University of Khartoum (UofK) following protests against selling university premises.
Massive demonstrations erupted at the UofK since last week following press statements made by the Minister of Tourism Mohamed Abu Zaid in which he indicated government intention to transfer the university from its location and to lease out its former premises for tourism purposes.
Dozens of students were arrested and others wounded in the protests following the intervention of the police with tear gas and rubber bullets.
On Friday, families of the detained expressed concern over the fate of their sons, saying the NISS refuses to release the students or offer any information on their whereabouts.
In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday, the families of five detained students said they have been waiting to receive information about their sons since Wednesday evening, stressing they jogged between the various NISS offices in Khartoum to ask about their sons but to no avail.
The statement added that the families failed to deliver to the students their personal belongings including clothes and medicines.
The families denounced the extreme secrecy surrounding the circumstances of their sons’ detention, demanding the NISS to secure their immediate release.
The statement further demanded immediate intervention of the university administration, holding the NISS responsible for the students’ psychological and physical safety.
The families added that the right for peaceful protest is guaranteed by the law and the constitution.
They also organized a sit-in inside the reception room at the NISS headquarters in Khartoum on Friday afternoon holding banners calling for the immediate release of their sons.
Sudan Tribune has seen a list including names of another 11 detained students.
On Thursday, Sudan’s Council of Ministers underscored that no decision has been issued to transfer the UofK from its current location or to sell its premises.
(ST)