HRW: ‘excessive force’ at protests must stop

Sudanese security authorities must stop the use of excessive force to disperse peaceful protests by students, Human Rights Watch said today. The organization said authorities must immediately release detained activists and opposition members arrested for their political views, or bring criminal charges against them. HRW said Sudanese security forces have been using excessive force since mid December 2011, to quash protests in various Sudanese universities. They reported that police forces and security violently used batons and tear gas to stop a demonstration at the University of Khartoum, organized in support with residents who were displaced by the building of the Merowe Dam. They said security forces have arrested dozens of students resulting in injuries that required many of them to receive treatment.