Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) arrested 16 activists who are part of the "No to oppression of women" initiative during their vigil in front of the Omdurman women's prison on Thursday, to demand the release of deputy chairman of the National Umma Party (NUP) Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi.
Meriam Al-Mahdi is the daughter of the National Umma Party leader al-Sadiq al-Mahdi (AFP) The police dispersed the gathering using tear gas.
On August 12th, the Sudanese security services arrested Mariam as she returned from Paris following the signing of the Paris Declaration with the Sudan Revolutionary Forces (SRF).
NCP officials suggested that she might face charges of spying and signing agreements with rebel groups particularly as the SRF is classified as an "enemy".