Demonstrations in Abu Hamad After Attempted Rape (images)

Residents of Abu Hamad, a town on the north edge of Nile River State, began protesting yesterday after an intruder attempted to rape a student in a dormitory, and then stabbed her when she screamed. The young woman is said to be in critical condition. The man suspected of attempted rape is one of many gold prospectors who have swarmed the town with the recent "gold rush."

Demonstrations protesting the lack of adequate security to protect town residents from the gold prospectors continued today in a square renamed Azza Square for the student who was attacked. The residents are calling for the resignation of officials, the capture of the suspect in this particular case, as well as increased security for the people. Salah Karrar, an original member of the current regime has joined the protesters in their call for reform.

Young Hilaaliya Man Tortured for Shoe Incident

Families protesting outside NISS offices for the second day in a row were dispersed by security, but promised they would return tomorrow. The video clip here shows the families being told to leave, and also illustrates the difficulty of getting footage with the threat of arrest, detention, torture and trial for filming/photographing.

With the Eid holiday quickly approaching, hundreds of families face the prospect of not having their loved ones home to observe and celebrate the Eid.

Presidential advisor Nafie Ali Nafie was reportedly struck in the face by a shoe thrown by a 20 year old resident of Hilaaliya. The young man was detained and taken to an unknown location. Later reports indicate that the young man, Ashraf Zein Alabdin, was tortured by security forces and that Hilaalya Hospital refused to admit him. He was later taken to Hasaaheesa Hospital. Further information is as yet unavailable.

Sudanese in the Bay Area (California, US) are planning a rally today at 2:00 p.m. in San Francisco's Union Square.