UN human rights chief condemns violence against protesters

The head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has said she "utterly deplored" the reports that the Sudanese military had attacked the Khartoum protest camp.

“The protestors in Sudan have over the past few months been an inspiration, peacefully demonstrating and working to engage with the Transitional Military Council,” said Michele Bachelet, in a statement.

"I utterly deplore the apparent use of excessive force in the protest camps. Reports that live ammunition was used by security forces next to, and even inside, medical facilities are extremely alarming. I urge the security forces to immediately halt such attacks, and to ensure safe, unimpeded access to medical care for all."

She called on the transitional council to "make a concerted effort towards a swift transition to a civilian administration" in line with the protesters' demands.

“The use of excessive force must be promptly and independently investigated and those responsible brought to justice. The human rights violations that have marked Sudan’s history, and sparked the sustained protests over the past six months, must not be allowed to continue.

"This is a real setback.”