3 critics of Sudan coup arrested

Three prominent critics of the Sudan military coup have been arrested after security forces dissolved the transitional democratic government on Monday.

The three pro-democracy figures, their family members and a number of other leaders in the dissolved government were arrested, with the military saying political leaders could face jail time for allegedly inciting a rebellion, The Associated Press reported.

Ismail al-Taj, a leader of the Sudanese Professionals’ Association; Sediq al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, a leader in Sudan’s Umma political party; and Khalid al-Silaik, a former media adviser to the prime minister, were all arrested.

Family, other activists and the Umma party have all confirmed their arrest, according to the AP. 

The three have been vocal about their opposition to the military takeover in Sudan that has caused thousands to go to the streets in protest. The military has killed at least six demonstrators in the past two days. 

Deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and his wife were released from detainment Tuesday after the military put them under “heavy security” following the coup, claiming the move was for their safety.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Hamdok after he was released, condemning the military and calling on them to not use violence on protesters.

“The Secretary emphasized U.S. support for the civilian-led transition to democracy and for a return to the principles of Sudan’s transitional framework, as laid out in the 2019 Constitutional Declaration and the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.

International condemnation was quick after the takeover, with Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s military, saying elections will be held in 2023. However, critics are skeptical of his pledge, according to the AP.