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Sudanese Protesters Rally to Condemn June Crackdown

Associated Press

   CAIRO - Thousands of Sudanese took to the streets Thursday to condemn
   the deadly crackdown by security forces last month, as tensions remain
   high despite recent progress toward a power-sharing deal with the
   ruling military council.
   The Sudanese Professionals' Association, which has spearheaded months
   of protests, tweeted that security forces had fired tear gas to
   disperse some rallies in the capital, Khartoum. There were no reports
   of serious injuries.
   Protesters marched toward the Green Yard, an open area in the capital,
   waving Sudanese flags and beating drums. They chanted "Revolution!" and
   "The martyr's blood shall be avenged!"
   The military overthrew long-ruling autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April,
   but the protesters remained in the streets, calling for a swift
   transition to civilian rule. On June 3, security forces dispersed their
   main sit-in, killing at least 128 people, according to protest
   organizers. Authorities put the death toll at 61, including three
   security forces.
   The pro-democracy movement and the military signed a document Wednesday
   outlining a power-sharing deal but have yet to agree on the exact
   division of powers. They agreed on a Sudanese investigation into last
   month's violence, but have yet to outline its scope or agree on whether
   military leaders would be immune from prosecution.
   Those issues are expected to be taken up in talks scheduled for Friday.
   "If signatories agree tomorrow on giving the military council full
   immunity, we will go back to the street," said Mohamed al-Neel, a
   25-year-old protester. "The street won't become quiet until a civilian
   government is formed and martyrs are avenged."