§ Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many people were killed and injured by the police shooting at them during the elections in the Sudan in November, 1948; and whether he will make a statement concerning the police action.
§ Mr. MayhewSix rioters were killed when, on 15th November, the police opened fire in self-defence against a crowd attacking them with stones and swords. Full investigations into the circumstances of this incident were made immediately by a magistrate. These investigations showed that the police acted correctly and with restraint, and that their prompt action prevented almost certain loss of innocent lives and serious damage to property.
§ Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many people were arrested during the elections in the Sudan in November, 1948; what were the charges against them; and how have they been sentenced.
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§ Mr. MayhewOne hundred and sixty-eight persons were arrested as a result of the demonstrations which occurred during the elections in the Sudan; of these 15 were released without trial. Of the remainder, 62 were charged with affray, 44 with being members of an unlawful assembly, and 47 with rioting. Forty-two of those charged were acquitted and the remaining 111 were given sentences ranging from fines of 150 piastres to six months' imprisonment. Although three persons were sentenced to 18, 15 and nine months' imprisonment, respectively, these sentences were subsequently reduced to six months' imprisonment on appeal.