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For Many Sudanese, Death Sentences for Protester Killing Raise Hopes for
Justice

Naba Mohiedeen

   OMDURMAN, SUDAN - A Sudanese court decision sentencing 29 intelligence
   officers to death for the killing of a protester earlier this year is
   being welcomed by thousands who rallied against the rule of ousted
   President Omar al-Bashir.

   Protesters blocked the streets leading to the Sudanese court,
   celebrating death sentences given to 29 national intelligence officers
   Monday in what they called the first victory after the ouster of former
   President Omar al-Bashir.

   Despite countless demonstrations that ended in clashes, it is the first
   time in Sudan's history that security officers were ordered to be
   executed for killing a protester.

   Thirteen other defendants were sentenced to prison while four more were
   acquitted.

   While appeals are expected, prosecuting lawyer Mohamed Jouda says the
   strong sentencing raises confidence in the judicial system after three
   decades of Bashir's authoritarian rule.

   He says now they're confident that they're capable to proceed in the
   cases on the table of Sudan's judiciary. They trust that the system is
   now capable to judge in a professional way, he says, and they'll
   provide convincing and complete trials.

   The victim, teacher Ahmed Al-Khair, lived in Eastern Sudan. His death
   was seen as a rallying point in Sudan's protests that started a year
   ago against Bashir.
   

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