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Over 800 protesters arrested in Sudan demos: minister
KHARTOUM, Jan 7, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – More than 800 protesters have been
arrested from hundreds of anti-government demonstrations held across Sudan
since last month, the interior minister said Monday.
“The total number of protesters arrested until now is 816,” Ahmed Bilal
Osman told parliament.
The figure was the first given by officials for those detained since
deadly rallies erupted on December 19 after the government hiked bread
prices.
Authorities say at least 19 people including two security personnel have
been killed in clashes during the demonstrations, but rights group Amnesty
International has put the death toll at 37.
Osman told lawmakers there had been a total of 381 protests reported since
December 19.
He said that 118 buildings were destroyed in the protests, including 18
that belonged to police, while 194 vehicles were set on fire including 15
that belonged to international organisations.
“The demonstrations began peacefully, but some thugs with a hidden agenda
used them to indulge in looting and stealing,” the minister said, adding that
the situation across Sudan was now “calm and stable”.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1940HRS