The European Union Thursday expressed "great concern "that arbitrary arrests in Khartoum and in the rest of the country are still ongoing and even increasing. EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a statement urgently called upon the military power to immediately release all detainees who have been arrested since Oct. 25 last. "The EU emphasizes that the physical integrity of these detainees and the respect for their human rights are the full responsibility of the military power, and that they will be held accountable," he said. Borrell said it is essential for security forces to exercise restraint and respect the right for peaceful demonstration, with new announced peaceful demonstrations expected during the coming days. The EU also noted "with great concern " that Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok continues to be under house arrest and that his ability to communicate with the outside world is severely limited. The EU Ambassadors in Khartoum have not been able to meet him again after their visit following his release from military detention immediately after the military coup, he noted. The EU urged the military power to facilitate the international community to meet with the Prime Minister and to lift his house arrest, restoring his full liberty. The EU also called upon the military power to fully restore Internet services throughout the country without delay. The European Commission too had demanded the immediate release of the detained Sudanese leadership, including its prime minister and other Cabinet members. "We call on the security forces to immediately release those they have unlawfully detained," Borrell said in a statement soo after the coup. Hamdok was detained after the military dissolved the civilian government and declared a state of emergency. — Agencies
