Six Sudanese student activists released after May arrests

Six Sudanese students arrested in May after a wave of protests on the University of Khartoum campus have been released by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) which detained them without charge, their lawyer said on Tuesday.

Their arrest with eight other students of the university was as a result of protests on the campus in April against the government’s plans to sell off the historic buildings of the university, which is the oldest higher learning institution in the country opened since 1902.

The arrest of the students sparked clashes between security forces and hundreds of students demanding their release. Two students died during the protest fueling more protests in Khartoum.

The lawyer of the six released students, Manal Khojli, said the other eight students are still under detention without charge and discussions are underway to allow the freed students return to the university, AFP reports.

He indicated however that the eight others may be charged.

Sudanese security forces have in the past been accused by NGOs of harassing, arresting and torturing human rights activists, political opponents and journalists.

The arrest of the students raised concerns among Sudanese rights groups who called for their immediate release.

30 days😭😭😭😢😢😢😣😣
Students detained for expressing their opinion.#Release_Students_of_Sudan pic.twitter.com/wFneH6OYjZ

— saharfaisal⚽✨ (@Saharfaisal1) June 4, 2016

Families and friends of detained students also protested for days over their detention.

Ramadan breakfasting on z street
Families of the detained students#release_students_of_sudan BBCAfrica jonsnowC4 pic.twitter.com/ep2mYGdzZq

— سارة ابراهيم (@saragalilo) June 11, 2016

Photo credit: Dabangasudan.org