Sudanese security authorities on Tuesday dispersed a vigil campaign staged by university professors and another by media professionals, a number of them were detained and subsequently released.

According to Sodafax, security authorities on Wednesday 13 February cordoned off Khartoum University Professors’ Club before a planned vigil to denounce government policies and detention of demonstrators; 16 professors were arrested.

Meanwhile, the security authorities prevented the Sudanese Media Professionals Association from organizing a vigil protests in front of the Ministry of Information in Khartoum.

The vigil was in response to a call by the Sudanese Professionals Association to force the government to resign.

It is to be noted that prohibition of vigil campaigns and detention of protesters contravene Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which recognizes the right to peaceful assembly; no restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society.

Source: Sudafax , Halaeb