WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Embassy of Sudan is saddened by and regrets the loss of life of our citizens.  This is a real tragedy, and our hearts and sympathies go out to those who died and to their families.

Due to continuing economic sanctions against the peoples of Sudan, the Government of Sudan lifted subsidies for gasoline.  Some citizens violently protested this necessary economic measure by burning government buildings, gasoline stations, shopping malls and private property.  Some also attacked the police, who defended themselves while protecting public and private property.

The Government of Sudan did not block internet access.  Among other targets, violent protestors burned facilities of Canar Telecommunications Company, which hosts the core base of internet services for Sudan.  These fires resulted in continuing internet black outs across Sudan.

The Government of Sudan and Canar Telecom have now partially restored internet service and will work until internet access is fully restored.

The Government of the Sudan recognizes and acknowledges that the right of expression is protected by the Sudan constitution.  However, this right to free expression does not provide violent opportunists with a right to burn public and private property or to attack police. 

The Government of Sudan will exert all efforts to protect the lives of our citizen, their civic rights, and their personal and public properties.  The Government will continue to manage the delicate balance between facilitating self-expression and maintaining public order as per the rule of law.

Embassy of Sudan Press and Information Office, phone: +1-202-338-8565, or fax: +1-202-667-2406

SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan

RELATED LINKShttp://www.sudanembassy.org/