U.N. rights chief urges Sudanese restraint

UNITED NATIONS, June 28 (UPI) -- A United Nations commissioner Thursday called for a release of political prisoners, and assurance a planned demonstration proceeds peacefully, in Sudan.

Navi Pillay, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted dozens of journalists, students and political opponents of the Sudanese government have been arrested since protests began in Khartoum June 17, and urged their release, a U.N. statement said.

"Reports of ill treatment in detention are very worrying and must be investigated promptly," she said.

She also called on Sudanese authorities to ensure protests planned for Friday will be conducted peacefully, and asked that demonstrators, on their part, refrain from damage or violence.