U.N. rights chief calls for Sudan military to step back

FILE PHOTO: U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet speaks during a news conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 9, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

GENEVA (Reuters) - The top U.N. human rights official on Friday called on Sudan's military leaders to step back following a coup, also denouncing the arrest and detention of politicians, journalists and protesters.

High Commissioner of Human Rights Michelle Bachelet described the Oct. 25 military takeover as "deeply disturbing" and called for an end to the deadly use of force by the armed forces as well as military police and intelligence elements which she said had so far killed at least 13 civilians.