Photo: Al-Jazeera

A group of protesters demonstrating against government's austerity measures.

Statement by United States Department of State spokesperson, Victoria Nuland.

Crackdown on Demonstrators in Sudan

The United States condemns the numerous arrests and detentions that have been taking place over the past week in Sudan in response to peaceful demonstrations. There have been reports of protesters being beaten, imprisoned and severely mistreated while in government custody. We call for the immediate release of those detained for peaceful protest.

A government that respects the rights of its citizens to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly in order to raise their grievances does not respond to such protests by using unnecessary force. The heavy-handed approach adopted by Sudanese security forces is disproportionate and deeply concerning.

Sudan's economic crisis cannot be solved by arresting and mistreating protesters. Engaging in armed conflict in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile and failing to reach agreement with South Sudan on oil, trade and other means of economic cooperation only deepen Sudan's economic crisis.