Khartoum releases suspects held after Port Sudan riots

KHARTOUM, March 4 (AFP) — Sudan has released 199 people who were detained following January riots in the eastern city of Port Sudan, the semi-official Sudanese Media Center (SMC) said on Friday.

Red Sea State chief prosecutor Mohammed Osamn ordered the release for lack of evidence against the suspects, who were rounded up after clashes broke out between supporters of the rebel Beja Congress and security forces.

Protestors had been demonstrating for more power and resources for the region, sparking a security clampdown across eastern Sudan.

The Beja Congress, which does not belong to Sudan’s unmbrella opposition alliance and claims to be the sole representative authority in eastern Sudan, has demanded an investigation into the deaths of at least 14 civilians in the riots.