More students beaten, arrested at solidarity speech

Members of the security apparatus beat and arrested a number of Darfuri students who participated in a gathering of students at El Nilein University in Khartoum on Thursday.

Students who witnessed the raid told Radio Dabanga that a team of the Sudanese security service (NISS) and students who support the ruling National Congress Party stormed the gathering of students at El Nilein University. They were expressing solidarity with the students of El Gezira University, several of whom are still being held.

The attackers used tear gas against the crowd and beat students with crutches and plastic wires, a witness reported. Dozens of students have reportedly been detained and their number has not been counted yet.

On October 9, the El Gezira Faculty of Business Studies witnessed a clash between students loyal to the National Congress Party and other students. The next day, angered students torched buildings in the faculty.

Days later students in Khartoum who had gathered to show their solidarity with the students of El Gezira University, were dispersed by security forces using tear gas and batons.

Last week Radio Dabanga reported that 25 students were still in detention. The remaining 159 students have been released with the payment of the normal bail, but they are to be subjected to re-interrogation and a trial.