EU calls on Sudanese government to release detainees

SANAA, Jan. 13 (YPA) – The European Union (EU) on Saturday called on the Sudanese government to release all detained demonstrators following protests in several areas in Sudan about a month ago.

“The Sudanese government must release all journalists, dissidents, human rights defenders and other demonstrators who have been arbitrarily arrested and carry out an in-depth investigation into recent deaths and abuses,” the EU spokeswoman said in a statement late on Friday.

“In this context, the commission of inquiry announced by the government will be closely monitored,” the statement said.

The spokeswoman for the EU foreign minister, Federica Mugherini, called on all parties to “defuse escalation and restraint,” adding “It is the responsibility of the Sudanese authorities to guarantee the right to freedom of assembly and expression under international law.”

Sudan has been through a suffocating economic crisis that led to popular protests which killed more than 40 people.

Protests erupted in several Sudanese cities due to bread shortages, but they have evolved to demand the overthrow of Bashir’s government.