Sudan: 40 demonstrators sentenced to flogging, fines in Wad Madani

The Central Regional Court in Wad Madani, the capital of Gezira state, on Wednesday sentenced 40 people charged with protesting against the government’s decision on the removal of subsidies on fuel and demanding the downfall of the regime, to 20 lashes and a fine of SDG150 ($34). The 40 protesters were charged under articles of law related to the fomenting of riots and creating chaos. A remaining 180 protesters have yet to be charged. A number of secondary school students have been transferred to a juvenile court. Lawyer El Hadi Yahiya, speaking for demonstrators’ defence to Radio Dabanga, said that the court today ruled on 40 demonstrators. One was sentenced to prison for a period of two months, the others to 20 lashes and a fine of SDG150 ($34). Yahiya confirmed that Sudanese have the right to demonstrate. The complainant in this case was the police who refused to answer questions from lawyers. The interrogated policemen did acknowledge that they had arrested the protesters “in groups”.  File photo Radio Dabanga (demonstrators detained within building of security forces) Related: Sudan police shoot people to quell nationwide protest against rising fuel prices (30 September 2013)Army Major resigns, ‘thousands’ arrested across Sudan (25 September 2013)