Sudanese anti-coup protesters have taken to the streets to denounce sexual violence against women, after a university student was allegedly gang-raped by soldiers in the capital, Khartoum, on Monday.

On social media, activists have launched a hashtag that translates from Arabic as “They will not break you” in a show of solidarity with victims of sexual violence.

The rape reportedly took place after security forces fired tear gas into a minibus. It was carrying some people who had earlier been protesting against the military government – angered by last year’s coup and the rising cost of living.

Eyewitnesses say as passengers left the vehicle they were beaten and their possessions were stolen.

They say the woman was separated from her travelling companion and then reportedly attacked by eight soldiers.

Residents in the area heard screams and rushed to rescue her.

Several women were raped in protests against the military junta late last year.

The use of sexual violence as a weapon is not new to Sudan. Human rights groups have documented the rape of hundreds of women in the war in Darfur.

_BBC_