Sudan vows transparent probe into killing of protesters

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has vowed transparent investigations into the killing of a number of protesters during recent demonstrations in Sudan. "We affirm that the law would be firmly and strongly applied on whoever seeks to undermine the security and stability of the citizens because this is the first and foremost responsibility of the state," said al-Bashir in his speech before the 8th session of the Sudanese National Assembly (parliament) on Monday. "The criminal investigations conducted revealed evidences against 58 suspects who will be brought to trials according to the law and fair judicial procedures," noted al-Bashir. He underlined that committees are working to determine the human and material loss, affirming commitment of the state to compensating affected people in line with the outcome of the legal procedures. On September 23, Khartoum and other Sudanese cities witnessed violent protests after the government announced a package of economic reform measures including a fuel price hike. According to the official statistics, about 70 people were killed during the protests, while international and legal organizations said the victims of Sudan's demonstrations were more than 200.