Sudan Protest Investigation: Military officers to be charged for deadly break-up of June sit-in
Updated 12:45, 29-Jul-2019
In Sudan, the head of the investigation committee has officially raised charges against some officers for their involvement in last June's deadly attack on protesters. Fath Al Rahman Saeed says the officers violated their orders and pushed forces to engage with protesters. As CGTN's Adel El Mahrouky reports Saeed has also dismissed accusations of rape and torture of protesters during the break up of the sit-in.
Some of Sudan's civilian political groups have rejected the findings of the national investigation committee.
It has dismissed accusations of rape and torture during the June 3rd sit-in dispersal, which has outraged these groups.
Some civilian powers are now calling for an independent regional investigation committee, and are threatening to escalate.
HEBA EL BESHBESHY RESEARCHER, INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN STUDIES "It's an unjustifiable stance from the opposition, to call for a regional investigative committee is unnecessary as long as the national one is working properly. This escalation could affect the transition, and in Sudan, another violent incident could turn into a civil war."
The June deadly protests dispersals saw some 87 killed according to official records, protesters claim there are more.
It has been a turning point in Sudan's politics, shacking the trust between civilian groups and the military transitional council.
Analysts, however, say trust between the two can be rebuilt.
HEBA EL BESHBESHY RESEARCHER, INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN STUDIES "To bridge this trust gap, all those involved in dispersing the sit-in must face serious trials. They've violated a military command to jeopardize civilian lives. All those injured must be compensated. Both parties must realize that violence in any revolution is inevitable, it's how they deal with it is what matters. They must work on reconciliation that will on come when everyone involved is held accountable."
The national investigation committee says it has reached its initial conclusion after interrogating 59 witnesses.
The committee is formed of prosecutors, police and military officers, no civilians are part of it.
ADEL EL MAHROUKY CAIRO, EGYPT "The protesters' tragic death will remain a painful incident in Sudan's recent memory. If the military officers involved are not held accountable and justice is not served as soon as possible, it could once again increase the tension and put the significant power sharing agreement reached this month under jeopardy. Adel EL Mahrouky, CGTN, CA."