Sudanese national security officials have detained dozens of students and activists without charge since mid-April 2016 during protests on university campuses Human Rights Watch said in a statement yesterday.
“Sudan is cracking down on activists, students, and even their lawyers, with abusive and thuggish tactics,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The government should put a stop to these tactics, immediately make the whereabouts of all detainees known, and release anyone being held without charge.”
In recent months, student protests have swept across Sudan, and according to Human Rights Watch, government forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to break up protests.
“There is no justification for Sudan using or condoning violence and abuse to silence protesters and activists, or arbitrarily detaining them and denying access to lawyers and other due process protections,” Bekele said. “Authorities should immediately put an end to these abuses and respond to public protest in a manner that respects basic freedoms of expression and assembly.”