Sudan rulers arrest 15 over attacks on protesters

KHARTOUM

Sudan's ruling Military Transitional Council (MTC) has arrested 15 suspects over attacks on a main protest camp near the army headquarters in the capital Khartoum.

"Fifteen suspects have been arrested, five of whom have confessed," Khalid Khedr, a legal adviser in the military intelligence service, told the state television early Sunday.

He said investigations were underway to arrest other suspects in connection with the attacks.

Soldiers were among those arrested over the attacks, Republican Guard commander Mohamed al-Amin said, without giving any further details.

Last week, six people were killed -- including five protesters -- when the sit-in was attacked by unidentified gunmen.

The attack came days after 14 people were injured in a similar attack on the camp.

Opposition leaders have hinted at the possible involvement of Sudan’s army-affiliated Rapid Support Forces in the attacks.

Last month, the Sudanese army ousted President Omar al-Bashir following months of popular demonstrations against his 30-year rule.

The MTC is now overseeing a two-year “transitional period” during which it has pledged to hold presidential elections.

Demonstrators, however, have remained on the streets to demand that the military council relinquish power -- at the earliest possible date -- to a civilian authority.