Sudanese police announce death of detainee over 'food poisoning'

KHARTOUM - Sudanese police on Saturday announced the death of a detainee at Khashm el-Girba town in eastern Sudan's Kassala State in the wake of protests, saying the death was caused by "food poisoning."

"On Jan 31, Khashm el-Girba witnessed riot events where a number of accused participants were detained," said the press office of the Sudanese police in a statement.

"They were treated in a civilized manner and offered a breakfast meal at 11:00 am on Friday, and after prayer, they had a lunch meal," the statement added.

It said that "when they moved from Khashm el-Girba to Kassala state headquarters, cases of food poisoning appeared among those who had the lunch meal, including officers from the state."

They were rushed to Kassala teaching hospital to receive treatment, where Ahmed Al-Khair Ahmed died, it noted.

"He was referred to the hospital morgue for autopsy, where the preliminary report indicated that the cause of death was a poisoning case," the statement said.

"These facts have been confirmed by some of those who had food with him and there are no other reasons," the statement concluded.

Since Dec 19 last year, various areas in Sudan, including Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.

According to government statistics, at least 30 people have been killed during the protests.