Cry Freedom!

Sudanese opposition groups, both Northern and Southern, vowed over the weekend to stage a mass demonstration at the Parliament on Monday, despite a last minute ban issued by the Sudanese regime.

Eyewitnesses reported thousands of heavily armed policemen took up positions in the capital from early Monday morning hours in an apparent bid to curb the protests.

The bulk of the parties which signed up to take part in the rally include those signatories to the Juba declaration last September in a conference hosted by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The parties are protesting the delay in passing crucial laws including the national security and referendum bill. A memorandum is set to be delivered to the national assembly.

Below are some photographs of the aftermath of that demonstration in which many peaceful demonstrators were beaten down by police using iron reinforcement rods.  Amongst many arrested were the Secretary General of the SPLM, Pagun Amum, and his deputy in the North, Yasir Armun.

After the personal intervention of the President of Southern Sudan and Vice President of Sudan, Salva Kiir, both SPLM leaders were released. Many others, less prominent, remain in detention. More demonstrations are expected later this week.

Please note that the demonstrators come from all regions and all religions of Sudan.

Freedom, democracy and peace for Sudan.

UPDATE

Amnesty International has released the following press release:

Sudan must end violent crackdown on protesters

7 December 2009

Amnesty International has strongly condemned a violent crackdown by Sudanese security forces on political protests in Khartoum on Monday.

The organisation also received reports of those arrested being tortured in detention. More than 200 people, including opposition leaders and human rights activists, were arrested as they gathered in front of the parliament building this morning.

“This is yet another example of the culture of violence that the Sudanese government has adopted,” said Tawanda Hondora, deputy director of the Africa programme at Amnesty International.

“We ask the government to immediately announce the names and whereabouts of those arrested and to charge them with recognized criminal offences or else secure their immediate release.”

“This widespread use of violence and torture against opposition and human rights activists as well as ordinary civilians must stop now’.

“The government should respect their right to peacefully assemble and express their views. This is a crucial time for Sudan and all parties should abstain from using violence, especially in the light of the coming elections and referendum.”

The demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building in the early morning despite a last minute ban being imposed by the authorities.

The protest was aimed against the delays in passing laws that are seen as vital to a forthcoming referendum and elections.

Next year’s vote will be the first presidential, parliamentary and local elections in 24 years.

A referendum is also scheduled on whether the south should secede in 2011. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement ended 22 years of war during which 1,5 million people have been killed.