People are turning their profile pictures blue in solidarity with Sudan after deadly protests

People are turning their social media profile pictures, including their Instagram and Twitter accounts blue to show solidarity with Sudan following a brutal crackdown on civilian protesters in Sudan’s capital - and to oppose the government's internet shut down.

At least 19 children have been killed in the violent clashes in Khartoum.

#BlueforSudan is trending across multiple social media platforms as people try to honour the memory of Mohamed Mattar, one of the victims and whose favourite colour was reportedly blue.

Mattar was a 26-year-old engineer who was shot and killed during the 3 June crackdown on protesters. According to reports he was killed trying to protect two women following a violent security raid.

A raid on protesters outside Khartoum’s Defence Ministry saw dozens killed and hundreds injured, and what followed was a national movement of protest.

Witnesses have described seeing government paramilitaries, the Rapid Support Services (RSF), take the lead in the violent dispersal of the civilians.

In an effort to end protests and organisation, the Sudan government cut off internet access.

#BlueforSudan has become a social media campaign

Others are protesting the internet shutdown

“If the Transitional Military Council genuinely intends to restore peace and maintain good will with civilian opposition leaders, it should reverse this dangerous shutdown, which puts even more lives at risk,” said Priyanka Motaparthy, acting emergencies director at Human Rights Watch. “These shutdowns blatantly repress the rights of the people the military council claims it wants to have a dialogue with.”

Supporters are using the internet to broadcast Sudan's human rights abuses

Singer Demi Lovato and beauty YouTuber Dina Tokio are among those who have changed their profile picture to support the campaign.

David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, has previously stated: “A general network shutdown is in clear violation of international law and cannot be justified by any means… Access to information is crucial for the credibility of the ongoing electoral process. Shutdowns are damaging not only for people’s access to information, but also for their access to basic services.”

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