Three people were killed on Thursday in Sudan as anti-government protests spread to more towns in the country, the Central Committee of Sudan’s Doctors, an organisation playing a key role in the demonstrations, said. Officials report that 30 people have died since protests broke out on 19 December, but rights groups say the number is much higher.
Protest leaders have called for Friday prayers to be held in public places today, a move that could be viewed as being provocative. Two of the dead were university students – one was hit by a bullet directly to his chest and another tortured allegedly by security forces, the doctors’ group said.
On Thursday, thousands took to the streets in what has been described as the biggest day yet of anti-government protests. Rising prices of fuel and bread triggered the demonstrations in December. But in recent weeks, protesters have been demanding an end to President Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year rule.
Government forces have responded with teargas, bullets and arrests. Hundreds of protesters including opposition figures, activists and journalists have been arrested. Some international journalists have had their accreditation revoked.
