Sudanese riot police storm sit-in with tear gas, ‘live ammo’

On Tuesday night, anti-riot police force stormed the ongoing sit-in protests being staged by residents of Khartoum’s El Jireif neighbourhood, against the confiscation of their lands.

One of the protestors told Radio Dabanga that at 8 pm, a riot police contingent in more than 20 Land Cruisers stormed the sit-in using tear gas and live bullets. They beat the protesters and smashed the chairs and the loudspeaker.

He said that the attack resulted in Jiddo El Sayid Hadu being shot in the arm, and dozens fainting and suffering shortness of breath.

On Wednesday witnesses said that the security forces cordoned-off El Jireif district and stationed guards at all entrances in addition to the deployment of police in the district. Schools and shops in the district were also closed on Wednesday.

Custody

Witnesses said El Jireif resident spokesman, Badruldin El Haj, who was seized by security forces from the police station of El Jireif East, is still being held in the custody of the security apparatus.

As reported by Radio Dabanga yesterday, El Haj claims to have been beaten and assaulted by the security apparatus, while in detention together with 13 others.

Speaking in a video interview, he said that one of the security personnel threatened to kill him using a car or motorcycle.