Sudan has arrested more than 800 demonstrators since the start of anti-government protests in December, the Interior Minister said on Monday.
“The number of protesters, who have been detained from the demonstrations, had reached 816 until now’’ Sudan News agency (SUNA) quoted Ahmed Osman as saying.
The day before the minister’s remarks, protesters again took to the streets of the capital Khartoum, calling for President Omar al-Bashir to step down.
Sunday’s march was a continuation of the weeks of nationwide rallies that have posed a serious challenge to al-Bashir, after a sharp hike in bread and fuel prices.
The minister noted that 118 buildings had been damaged in the protests, and 194 vehicles set on fire.
While the government said 19 people have died in the protests, Amnesty International has put the death toll at 37.
The oil-rich country’s economy was badly affected when it split with South Sudan in 2011. The government is also battling several rebel groups. (dpa/NAN)
