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 بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 11 March, 2003
Arbitrary arrests in Khartoum
At 9pm on 3 March 2003, security forces arrested Adam Abdel Hamied Adam, a trainee advocate and a member of the Abdelmajeed Imam Cultural Centre, and Mona Zahir Alsadati, a journalist. The two were arrested from outside the building of the Abdelmajeed Imam Cultural Centre in Khartoum North.
Both Mr Adam and Ms Mona were taken to offices of the National Security Agency near Farough cemetery for interrogation. After 2 hours, Mona was released and she was asked to report the next day to security offices. Adam remains in detention and his whereabouts are unknown to his family and his lawyer.
When Mona’s family enquired as to the reason for the arrest they were told that the Abdelmajeed Imam Cultural Centre was thought to be a “suspicious” place, where it is undesirable for women to go. They stated that the security forces are intended to protect Sudanese women from such places, and that the Centre is under surveillance by the Security of the Community Police, and Anti-Drug Squads.
The Abdelmajeed Imam Centre is working to promote a culture of peace and human rights in Sudan, as well as carrying out various other cultural activities. The Centre is located in Bahri Alsafya in Khartoum North. It’s activities were suspended for a period last year, 2002, and it has also previously been under surveillance by security forces.
SOAT condemns these arbitrary arrests and urges the Government of Sudan to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Adam Abdel Hamied Adam, and to release details of his whereabouts to his family and lawyer
2) Order his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards
SOAT is an independent non-governmental human rights organisation, for further details on this press release or any other information please contact;
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Rd
London NW6 5LF
UK
Tel: +44 20 76258055
Fax: +44 20 73722656
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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 Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 22 April 2003
Confiscation of newspaper materials and the requisition of the editor of Al Sahafa
Confiscation of Al Sahafa editorial materials and requisition of the newspaper’s Editor
The media section of National Security Agency, confiscated editorial materials from the Al Sahafa newspaper in the early hours of Saturday, 19 April 2003.
Upon the confiscation from the printers, the security officer refused the publication of any article by the journalist, Khalid Fadel, due to critical nature of the article with regards to the disclosure of the Sudanese National Examinations papers before the exams taking place last month. In the article, he criticised the government policy on issues regarding education, teachers and the curricular. The article was due to be published on page five, Saturday edition, 19 April 2003, issue 3586.
Also, the security officer ordered the halt of the publication of an article by the journalist Abd Algader Hafiz, specifically the section that looks at issues regarding Human Rights. The suspension of the press printing also included news item on the front page regarding the Umma Party General Conference in Khartoum, Alsayid Al Sadiq Al Mahdi ######### the Umma Party.
The confiscation took place at the printers, before and during the printing of the newspaper on Friday evening, when the security forces came, lead by a Lieutenant called Adam. They confiscated the materials outlined and banned the newspaper from publishing them. The newspaper was obliged to put in new articles and remove the articles deemed of concern.
On Saturday 19 April 2003 at 9am, Lieutenant Adam called the newspaper’s editor on his private house telephone, Ustaz Nour Al Din Madani, 63, and ordered him to be report immediately to the security forces Head Quarters in Khartoum. Ustaz Nour Al Din Madani reported at 10am and was made to wait at reception for 6 hours, which he spent sitting on a chair. He eventually met Officer Adam and was interrogated in a very short time with regards to articles published by the journalist Lubna Ahmed Hussein, and was ordered not to publish any materials produced by Lubna Ahmed Hussein if it does not comply and allow for the materials to be reviewed and approved. The security forces media section made this order.
Lubna Ahmed Hussein made a written complaint to this restriction to the National Security Agency. The complaint was reviewed and informed the journalist that the restriction has been lifted.
Background
Al Sahafa has previously suffered from restrictions on freedom of _expression over recent months. On 5 September 2002, security forces seized 1800 issues of Al Sahafa (issue no. 3370, 5/9/02) from the printing agency. Again, the security forces confiscated the newspaper on 8 November 2002, prior to distribution.
SOAT calls upon the Government of Sudan to:
i) Cease the imposition of suspensions, pre-printing and post-printing censorship on newspapers, and allow full freedom of _expression in accordance with international human rights standards.
ii) Allow proper research, discussion and dissemination of information on issues related to press freedom
iii) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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Fortunately, our source was able to contact us today
April 23,2003. He told us that on Friday 18th April
2003, the Government troops entered by force the Jumma
Mosque in Dibis village, one of the biggest Fur
villages 60km west to Kuttum town.
Our source told us that while prayers gathered from
the nearby villages in Furrnog to perform their weekly
(Jumma - Friday) Prayer, and before the Imam entered
the mosque, the troops surrounded the mosque and
warned the prayers not to try to move from their
places. Suddenly, the troops entered the mosque with
their shoes, without observing the holiness of the
place, and start whipping the prayers, kicking, and
insulting them, that they are harboring the SLM/SLA
fighters.
The above proves, not excluding, using food as weapon
against Dar Zagawa and Furrnog areas, the daily
bombarding which, caused the people to flee their
villages with no shelter, keeping blind eye when its
allies; the Janjaweed #####ng Fur villages, that the
Government of Sudan is not observing the basic human
rights, notwithstanding the voting result of the 59th
session of the UN Commission on Human Rights.
Therefore, appeal to the International Community, the
UN, the Human Rights Organizations, the Islamic
Organizations, and Scholars to exercise pressure on
the Government of Sudan to observe the basic human
rights of its citizens.
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: BousH)
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Dear Friends,
You may have heard that states members of the 59th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights turned down a Resolution expressing their concern about Sudan's human rights records when they took up the matter at this year's session. This was indeed a negative signal to the victims of human rights violations inside the country as well as to human rights organisations and activists worldwide. It should be clear that the rejection of the resolution on the situation of human rights in the Sudan was not meant for acknowledgement of the positive developments registered by the government in this area or the government's success in its public relation campaign. Rather a number of developments played a major role in the Commission's unfortunate decision. These developments may be summarized in the following:
1. The general international atmosphere in the aftermath of the US-led war against Iraq and the widening dichotomy that exists between countries of the Third World seen as victims and those of the Western hemisphere seen as aggressors. It is to be noted that at the second week of the Commission on Human Rights the Western European countries rejected a decision by the Commission to hold a special debate about the war in Iraq against the will of the majority of Third World countries.
2. The decision of the States members of the African Group to vote against any resolution tabled against any African country. It is interesting to note that out of the 53 States members of the Commission there are 15 African States including Sudan.
3. The Arab States and States members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference have rallied behind Sudan.
The resolution was rejected by a narrow gab i.e. 26 against, 24 in favour and 3 abstentions. This narrow gab is an indication of the serious doubts of the international community about the situation of human rights in the country. A consensus resolution or a resolution rejected by a majority, say over 30 members of the Commission, could have more creditability that a genuine change is taking place in the country.
Finally I wish to state that rejection of the resolution this year does not mean that Sudan is escorted free now and for good, rather to the contrary of the general belief in Khartoum, a resolution on the situation of human rights in the country can be introduced at any future session of the Commission whenever there is evidence of human rights violations. As such all are invited to continue their efforts in monitoring the situation in the country and send information to the concerned agencies and human rights organisations.
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: BousH)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 24 April 2003
Wave of arrests in Darfour and Khartoum
The National Security Agency and the Military Inelegances has carried a new wave of arbitrary arrests in Darfour and Khartoum, this included a number of persons of Four and Zaghawa tribes.
SOAT is concerned for the welfare of those arrested, and fears that they might be have been tortured or ill-treated whilst being held in detention. The names of those arrested are as follows:
1- Adam Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Girba (m), trader from Four tribe.
2- Mohamed Karama, trader (m), Four tribe.
3- Khalil Mohamedain, farmer (m), Four tribe.
4- Mohamed Ibrahim Tyrab (m), farmer, Four tribe.
5- Omer Hussain Ali, teacher (m), Zaghawa tribe.
6- Adam Haroon Noor, teacher (m), Zaghawa tribe.
7- Youseif Hussam (m), 50yr, trader, Zaghawa tribe.
Their arrest was on Tuesday, 8 April 2003 in Kubkabia, south of the town of Al Fasher, Northern Darfour Province. They were transfered to Shala prison near Alfashir. The arrest was carried out by the National Security Agency.
The Military Inelegance arrested the following persons from Zalengi in the first week of April 2003. They are as follows:
1- Adam Ahmed Abu Jamal (m), 50yr, Zalengi, Four tribe.
2- Abd Al Gader Salim Barakat (m), 25yr Four tribe . There are allegation that he was subject to torture
The Military Inelegance in Al Jenaina in Western Darfour arrested the following persons in the first week of April 2003.
1- Abd Al Rahman Ahmed (m), trader, Zaghawa tribe.
2- Mohamed Hashim Abd Al Rahman (m), trader, Zaghawa tribe.
1- Mohamed Seid Ahmed (m), an employee with the Department of Zaka and Tax office.
2- Seid Bashara (m), trader, Zaghawa tribe.
The following persons were arrested in Khartoum on Tuesday, 8 April 2003. They are as follows:
1- Abu Bakar Hamed Nour (m), Engineer.
2- Yousief Mohamed Saleh (m), engineer.
Background
The situation in the Region of Darfour in Western Sudan, continues to be of great concern. There has been a marked increase in occurrences of arbitrary arrest, detention and of torture or ill-treatment of detainees this year, notably against people belonging to the Four tribe and Zaghawa of Darfour. These arbitrary arrests and detentions have most often occurred in connection with what the Government of Sudan has termed ‘tribal conflict’ between Arab tribes in Darfour and the African tribes of Darfour. This ‘tribal conflict’ has taken the form of attacks by militia from the Gangawied group of 28 Arab tribes, amongst them the Mahariya, the Jalool, Hotiya, Saada and the Iraqat, against villages of the Four, Massaleet and Zaghawa, in which at least 75 people have been killed since May 2002, many more injured, hundreds of houses destroyed and thousands of livestock lost. Large numbers of people have been displaced by these attacks and left without shelter and food in an area where prolonged drought has resulted in consistently high levels of food insecurity. The authorities are aware that these attacks are taking place, but no investigations have been launched and none of the perpetrators pursued, despite the fact that leaders of the Four and Massaleet tribes have identified leaders of the militia attacks to the Government of Sudan. The Four tribe have accused the Government of Sudan of training and supporting militia from the Arab tribes.
The government of Sudan maintains that the conflict in Darfour is primarily a tribal one, centred around competition for land between pastoralists and crop farmers in the area. Whilst this is true to a certain extent, as drought in Darfour has led to severe shortages of pasture land and to conflict over viable land between tribes has occurred, this is not thought likely to be the primary cause of militia attacks on villages of the Four, Massaleet and Zagawa. Leaders of the Four tribe insist that the consistent depopulation of villages by Arab militia attacks and the changes in land ownership which have resulted are part of a government strategy to change the whole demography of the region of Darfour. To date, 59 Four villages in the region have been depopulated in attacks by militia from Arab tribes.
Following the deterioration of the situation in Darfour, a group of armed people from the Four and Zaghawa has formed an armed group. This armed group, which is reported to have grown rapidly in number over recent weeks, has named itself the Sudan Liberation Army/Movement (SLA/M), and has stated that it aims not only at the liberation of Darfour, but of the whole of the Sudan, restoring democracy and civil rights. The leader of this armed group has stated that the formation of an armed militia has been motivated by the increasing desperation of the Four people in the face of worsening human rights abuses including ongoing attacks against their villages and continuing arbitrary arrests of members of the tribe. He said that the formation of the SLA/M was a response to the lack of equality and underdevelopment suffered by the people from the Four and other African tribes, as well as to the government’s failure to protect them from attacks by Arab militias. Large numbers of people belonging to the SLA/M are currently in hiding in the mountains of the Jebel Marra region of Darfour.
SOAT urges the Government of Sudan to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all those who mentioned above
2) Order their immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) Ensure that all the detainees have access to legal advice
4) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 28 April 2003
Killings and Mass arrests in Darfour
Sudan Organisation Against Torture (SOAT), had received confirmed reports that several people have been killed, wounded and arbitrarily arrested in connection with an ongoing conflicts between the Four, Zaghawa and Massaleet tribes on one hand and with Arab militia from Darfour region in Sudan.
According to the information received, on April 23, 2003, the Sudanese authority arbitrarily arrested 7 villagers of Mulli, 8 mile south of Al-Jenaina, who belonged to the Massaleet tribe. They were reportedly taken to the security forces office in Nyala, where they still remain in custody. Their names are:
Al Tahir Abd Al Rahman
Mahmoud Abd Al Rahman
Abd Al Majid Abd Allah
Wad Alumda
Abd Al Latif Mohamed Adam
A’abid Aldeen Abd Al Rahman
Mugiba Adam Mousa
There is no information regarding their conditions in detention, however, SOAT has genuine fears concerning their physical and psychological integrity since the pro-government media has accused them of being in support of Sudan Liberation Army/Movement (SLA/M).
According to the information received, 55 people were killed and 53 were
injured as armed militia, from Arab tribes in Darfour province,attacked a traditional Massaleet weekly market place in Mulli village on 27 April 2003; the names of those killed and injured is attached to this press release.
During the attack, market stalls were reportedly burnt and horses and camel were looted, more than 500 donkeys were slaughtered and mutilated.
Uniformed Militiamen reportedly led the Arab militia, riding camel and horses and their number were approximately 150 men, according to the leaders of the Massaleet tribes. The Massaleet leaders claim that 2 days before the attack ,government security forces and police has patrolled the Al-Jenaina area and surrounding villages, confiscating weapons from Massaleet members. This has left the Massaleet members vulnerable to attacks without the means to defend them according to their leaders.
Following this attack, persons from the Massaleet tribe have organised a peaceful demonstration against the government failure to protect them on Thursday 24 April 2003, one day after the attack. The demonstration proceeded to the Al Jenaina town hall (Amanat Alhakoma). However, the demonstrators came under attack by government forces and leading to the killing of one person from the Massalet tribe, named Mohamed Abd Al Karim (m) and injuring many others
The government alleges that the demonstrators had burned down the city town hall (Amanat Alhakoma) and a fuel warehouse. However, the demonstrators claim that they have only reacted after they have found themselves under attack by government forces.
Background information
The situation in the Region of Darfour in Western Sudan, continues to be of great concern. There has been a marked increase in occurrences of arbitrary arrest, detention and of torture or ill-treatment of detainees this year, notably against people belonging to the Four tribe and Zaghawa of Darfour. These arbitrary arrests and detentions have most often occurred in connection with what the Government of Sudan has termed ‘tribal conflict’ between Arab tribes in Darfour and the African tribes of Darfour. This ‘tribal conflict’ has taken the form of attacks by militia from the Gangawied group of 28 Arab tribes, amongst them the Mahariya, the Jalool, Hotiya, Saada and the Iraqat, against villages of the Four, Massaleet and Zaghawa, in which at least 75 people have been killed since May 2002, many more injured, hundreds of houses destroyed and thousands of livestock lost. Large numbers of people have been displaced by these attacks and left without shelter and food in an area where prolonged drought has resulted in consistently high levels of food insecurity. The authorities are aware that these attacks are taking place, but no investigations have been launched and none of the perpetrators pursued, despite the fact that leaders of the Four and Massaleet tribes have identified leaders of the militia attacks to the Government of Sudan. The Four tribe have accused the Government of Sudan of training and supporting militia from the Arab tribes.
The government of Sudan maintains that the conflict in Darfour is primarily a tribal one, centred around competition for land between pastoralists and crop farmers in the area. Whilst this is true to a certain extent, as drought in Darfour has led to severe shortages of pasture land and to conflict over viable land between tribes has occurred, this is not thought likely to be the primary cause of militia attacks on villages of the Four, Massaleet and Zagawa. Leaders of the Four tribe insist that the consistent depopulation of villages by Arab militia attacks and the changes in land ownership which have resulted are part of a government strategy to change the whole demography of the region of Darfour. To date, 59 Four villages in the region have been depopulated in attacks by militia from Arab tribes.
Following the deterioration of the situation in Darfour, a group of armed people from the Four and Zaghawa has formed an armed group. This armed group, which is reported to have grown rapidly in number over recent weeks, has named itself the Sudan Liberation Army/Movement (SLA/M), and has stated that it aims not only at the liberation of Darfour, but of the whole of the Sudan, restoring democracy and civil rights. The leader of this armed group has stated that the formation of an armed militia has been motivated by the increasing desperation of the Four people in the face of worsening human rights abuses including ongoing attacks against their villages and continuing arbitrary arrests of members of the tribe. He said that the formation of the SLA/M was a response to the lack of equality and underdevelopment suffered by the people from the Four and other African tribes, as well as to the government’s failure to protect them from attacks by Arab militias. Large numbers of people belonging to the SLA/M are currently in hiding in the mountains of the Jebel Marra region of Darfour.
SOAT urges the Government of Sudan to do the following:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all those arrested and were who mentioned above. Also to investigate the killings of Massaleet tribe members.
2) Order their immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) Ensure that all the detainees have access to legal advice
4) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF
Tel: 020 7625 8055
Fax: 020 7372 2656
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
The names of those killed during the attack
1- Ibrahim Ali Ishaq (m)
2- Haroon Hamed (m)
3- Al Haj Ali Abd Allah (m)
4- Yahya Al Sheique Al Noor (m)
5- Jumaa Mohamed Adam (m)
6- Adam Mohamed Adam (m)
7- Abd Al Majeed Adam (m)
8- Al Haj Abd Allah Aboon (m)
9- Arbaba Haroon (m)
10- Abd Allah Mohamed Adam (m)
11- Abakar Jumaa Mahdi (m)
12- Abakar Mohamed (m)
13- Muktar Mohamed Adam
14- Ismail Adam Abakar (m)
15- Ibrahim Mohamed Haroon (m)
16- Mohamed Haroon Adam (m)
17- Al Haj Yahya Azhaq (m)
18- Ibrahim Mustafa Mohamed Saeed (m)
19- Ibrahim Waded Bashir (m)
20- Qamar Mousa Youseef (m)
21- Al Haj Badr Al Din Yaqoub (m)
22- Abu Bakr Abd Al Suni (m)
23- Mohamed Haroon (m)
24- Adam Ibrahim Kassim (m)
25- Ashaq Haran Adam (m)
26- Qameise Abu Mubarak (m)
27- Yahiya Adam Sayeed (m)
28- Kater Adam Issa (m)
29- Saleh Abd Al Rahman Suliman (m)
30- Abd Al Rasoul Yahya Baraka (m)
31- Ibrahim Mousa (m)
32- Dafa Allah Aboon (m)
33- Haroon Dafa Allah (m)
34- Ahmed Abd Allah Mohamed (m)
35- Mohamed Abd All Karim Abd Allah (m)
36- Ashaq Mahdi Haroon (m)
37- Adam Abd Allah Adam
38- Mohamed Haroon Ali
39- Gamer Al Din Da’wood
40- Mohamed Adam
41- Zakaria Azhaq
42- Ibrahim Haroon
43- Khalil Omer Mohamed
44- Mohamed Adam
45- Mohamed Abd Al Rahman Suliman
46- Ahmed Ali
47- Mohamed Youseef Khater
48- Abd Al Aziz Ali Haroon
There are 7 more persons who their names were not confirmed tallying the total of those killed to 55 persons.
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organization Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 29/04/2003
24 sentenced to death by hanging
SOAT has received confirmed reports that on 26 April 2003, 24 people belonging to the Arab tribes of Darfour, were sentence to death by hanging after being convicted of armed robbery (Haraba) under Articles 168 130, 139, 182 and 175, of the 1991 Penal Code, which state that the punishment for armed robbery (harraba) is death and death followed by crucifixion. They were tried in the special court, number 1, in Nyala, in south Darfour province. These men were arrested and charged following the attack on the village of Singita, in Kas district of Darfour, by Arab tribes from the province. The attack took place on 31/12/2002, in which 35 people were killed and 28 were injured and were arrested in March 2003.
The persons who sentence to deaths were as follows:
1- Al Doum Adam Abakar Ali, claimed to be 75 years old (m)
2- Mohamed Omer Suliman Ahmed, claimed to be 71 years old (m)
3- Ahmed Issa Haroon Abd Al Rahman (m)
4- Suliman Al Doum Adam (m)
5- Yaqoub Abd Allah Khair Allah (m)
6- Abakr Aina Jaber (m)
7- Abakr Fadel Mohamed Assil (m)
8- Issa Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed (m)
9- Zakaria Ahmed Adam Hamidan (m)
10- Zakaria Ahmed Adam Mohamed (m)
11- Ali Omer Mohamed Baraka (m)
12- Mousa Hussain Ahmed Azhaq (m)
13- Abu Al Kassim Omer Adam (m)
14- Al Mahdi Abd Al Jaber Adam (m)
15- Fadel Adam Hamdan (m)
16- Mohamed Issa Haroon Abd Allah (m)
17- Hamed Ahmed Mousa (m)
18- Ahmed Rahma Mohamed Asseil (m)
19- Ismail Saleh Al Tahir Mohamed (m)
20- Al Noor Rahma Mohamed Assil (m)
21- Al Taieb Mohamed Ahmed (m)
22- Abaker Idris Adam (m)
23- Abd Al Rahim Mohamed Abd Allah (m)
24- Al Tahir Ahmed Adam (m)
Three lawyers, Mr. Mossad M. Ali, Ms Thoria Haroun and Mr. Habieb Adam has submitted an appeal against their conviction
One man was fined 5 million Sudanese pound by the special court and one child was sentence to 3 years imprisonment and was referred to a children reform centre.
A further 12 people, including 1 woman, were acquitted by the court. Their names are as follows
1- Hassan Abd Al Rahman Adam (m)
2- Osman Abakr Adam (m)
3- Salieh Abd Al Rasoul Salieh (m)
4- Abu Bakr Abass Idris (m)
5- Maki Younis Al Jazouli (m)
6- Abd Allah Yousief Mohamed (m)
7- Abd Al Gader Jabril Mohamed (m)
8- Mousa Hussain Mousa (m)
9- Naser Obaid Mousa (Omda, leader) (m)
10- Jaieb Al Sheique Dah’ya (m)
11- Abd Al Razique Ahmed Al Tahir (m)
12- Fatima Al Doum Adam (f )
.
The use of the death penalty as a punishment has increased sharply over the last year in Sudan. Almost all of the instances of the death penalty being given as a sentence or actually carried out however, have occurred in the Darfour region of the country.
Since April 2002, 19 men from Darfour have been executed, all of them for the offence of armed robbery (‘harraba’) which, under Sudan’s interpretation of Shari’a law, is punishable by death by hanging or death by hanging followed by crucifixion. Crimes for which individuals have been executed include banditry and bank robbery. In addition, there are at least another 133 people from Darfour who have been sentenced to the death penalty and are awaiting execution. It is notable that death sentences are now being carried out with increasing frequency where before they were handed down by the courts but rarely executed.
Death sentences are meted out by Special Courts unique to Darfour which were established in the North and South of the province in May 2001 to deal with offences such as armed robbery, murder and possession and smuggling of weapons. However, the crime which has most frequently been punished by use of the death penalty over the last year has been that of armed robbery. This crime is dealt with under article 168 of Sudan’s 1991 Penal “
Standards for trials in the Special Courts in Darfour fall far short of international standards: they are headed by two military judges and one civil judge and do not allow legal representation for the accused until the appeal stage of proceedings. Under international human rights standards, people charged with crimes punishable by death are entitled to the strictest observance of fair trial guarantees and to certain additional guarantees. Such guarantees are ignored wholesale by the Special Courts in Darfour, whose procedures and sentences are inconsistent with international human rights law and Sudan's international obligations, in particular under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which Sudan has ratified and the United Nations' Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) which the Government of Sudan has signed
SOAT is unconditionally opposed to the death penalty and strongly condemns its use by the Government of Sudan. SOAT is gravely concerned by executions occurring in Darfour, and by the procedures of the Special Courts, which do not comply with international or national standards for fair trials. In its meeting with Sudanese Government officials in March 2002, SOAT highlighted the problem of these Special Courts, emphasizing the fact that they are unconstitutional according to Sudanese law, and urged the Government to prohibit them and abolish the death penalty in the country.
SOAT strongly urges the Government of Sudan to
i) Abolish the death penalty in Sudan
ii) End the use of Special Courts in Darfour
iii) Ensure respect for rights to fair trial and to legal appeal in accordance with international human rights standards, for all detainees throughout Sudan
iv) Guarantee respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Ahmed al-Mufti
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF
Tel: 020 7625 8055
Fax: 020 7372 2656
E-mail:[email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: elsharief)
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SOAT Press Release: 30 April 2003
Arbitrary arrest of teacher
At 10 am on 24 April 2003, the National Security Agency arrested Lenin Al Tayeb Yousif, a teacher at the Sudan Private School in Al Khalakla Al Guba, Khartoum. He was arrested from outside the main school gates by a number of security forces. The National Security Agency has placed him under surveillance and kept a watch on his activities at his family home and work place prior to his arrest.
He was arrested as soon as he appeared close by to the school gates and he was subsequently taken to an unknown location. It was claimed that he was taken to National Security Agency’s building (next to Faroq cemetery), and his family were unable to get confirmed information regarding his well being and whereabouts. There are health concerns for Lenin as he suffers from asthma and requires regular medication. His family has confirmed that he was not carrying his medication at the time of his arrest.
It was reported that members of the security forces have been called in at his work place in several occasions and enquired about him, which took place 10 days before his arrest.
The security force arrested three Brother of Lenin on 29 November 2002, after raiding their house in Al Kalakla Algubba, Khartoum.
The three brothers are Al Shafe’e Altayeb Yousif, 27 years old and a teacher at Al Sudan School in Al Kalakla Algubba, Khidir Altayeb Yousif, 20 years old and a second year student of engineering at Sudan University, and Hashim Altayeb Yousif, 23 years old and a fourth year maths student at the University of Khartoum. Hashim and Kidir were released while Al Shafe’e still remain in prisons
At the time of their arrest, security forces have informed their family that the three men would be held in detention until their elder brother, Lenin Altayeb, presented himself to security officers. The Altayeb family believe that the three brothers are being held as hostages until security forces find Lenin.
Lenin Altayeb is a former student leader at Al Nilein University, and is a well known member of the Sudanese Students Democratic Front (SSDF). Lenin has been arrested on 3 previous occasions, the first of which was in September 1996 when he was arrested with 19 other student leaders of the SSDF and severely tortured as a result of his name.
SOAT is concerned for the welfare of Lenin, and fears that he may be at risk of torture and be ill treated whilst being held in detention.
Background
Lenin Al Yousif is a graduate in Mathematics and Accountancy from Al Nilein University in Khartoum in 1997. In September 2002, he married Rania Obeyed, a graduate in engineering and a lecturer at the University of Sudan.
Lenin was arrested in 1996 and was imprisoned for 5 months. Previous to that, he was also arrested in 1991 and 1993
SOAT condemns these arbitrary arrests and urges the Government of Sudan to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Lenin Yousif, and to release details of his whereabouts to his family and lawyer.
2) Order his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards
SOAT is an independent non-governmental human rights organisation, for further details on this press release or any other information please contact:
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Rd
London NW6 5LF
UK
Tel: +44 20 76258055
Fax: +44 20 73722656
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 30 April 2003
Arbitrary arrest of Al Nilein University student
At 4.30 pm on Wednesday, 9 April 2003, the National Security Agency arrested Parthel Maus, a 3rd year law student at the Al Nilein University, Khartoum. He was arrested from outside the university by a number of security forces while he was walking with a fellow student, Molawal Gidboat, a 3rd year law student at the Al Nilein University. Molawal Gidboat was also arrested at the time, but was subsequently released on the same day at 6.30 while Parthel Maus remained in detention. The where about of Parthel is unknown to his family
Both students are from Southern Sudan and were involved in the organisation and campaigning of the recent Student Union elections at the university. They are also member of the African National Front ( ANF), a southern Sudanese student movement.
Background Information
Over the Last 7 months students have remained one of the groups most at risk in Sudan of torture or ill-treatment in detention. Arbitrary arrests and restrictions on freedom of _expression and association for students have been ongoing throughout the year, but the months of May and October/November saw particularly harsh actions against students by security forces. In both instances, crackdowns followed demonstrations to commemorate significant historical events, firstly, in May, the establishment of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement and secondly, in October, the 38th anniversary of student protests in October 1964 against the military government of General Abboud. . As last year, members of the Sudanese Students Democratic Front (SSDF) and Member of African National Front (ANF) have been particularly targeted.
Students in many universities are explicitly prohibited from taking part in political activities by Acts of Student Codes of Conduct introduced in January 2002, and these have continued to serve as the justification for suspensions and dismissals from a number of institutions. Meetings, demonstrations and other student political or social activities remain liable to being broken up by security forces, and one of the major student’s unions - Khartoum University Students Union (KUSU) – remains banned after it was suspended four years ago when opposition groups looked likely to win campus elections.
On 21 May 2002, 25 students were arrested on the campus of Al Nilein university in Khartoum, after taking part in celebrations to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) all of them are member of ANF. The students were charged with several offences under the 1991 Penal Code, ranging from ‘war against the state’ to sedition, breaching public peace and causing injury.
SOAT considers the continued persecution of students to be part of a systematic attempt by the Government of Sudan to silence opposition and to prevent individuals from expressing their political opinions and personal beliefs
SOAT call on the GOS to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Parthel Maus.
2) Order his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards
SOAT is an independent non-governmental human rights organisation, for further details on this press release or any other information please contact:
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Rd
London NW6 5LF
UK
Tel: +44 20 76258055
Fax: +44 20 73722656
Email: [email protected]
Website: www
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 6 May 2003
Arbitrary arrest of Ahmed Da’wah
A group of armed men has arrested Ahmed Da’wah Al Bayt Ahmed, 35 years old, and a graduate in translation from University of Omdurman Al Ahlia (199 , member of The Student Independent Congress and from Sinnar City South east of Khartoum.
His arrest took place on Thursday, 20 March 2003, around 7.30pm. He was arrested near the Hejazi college, next to the University of Sudan (southern side), when he was emerging out on his way to the university.
The information received claims that Ahmed was taken away in car, with blacked out window, with plate number 903 K’ K’. Two people came out of the car carrying pistols, ‘tubnjat’, followed by a part convertible car, ‘boxi’. They told him, and a friend who was with him, that they are from the secret police investigation unit and put Ahmed in the car. He was taken to an unknown location.
This was established by some of his friend who are also members of Student Independent Congress, and was confirmed by someone released from Kober prison that he was seen there. There was confirmed sighting of Ahmed Da’wah Al Bayt Ahmed in Kober prison around end of March
They added that one of his friends went to Kober prison, where he is allegedly held, and requested to see him. The security forces in the prison answered him back that ’even if the president requested to see him, he himself will not be allowed to do so’.
Background Information
Over the Last 7 months students have remained one of the groups most at risk in Sudan of torture or ill-treatment in detention. Arbitrary arrests and restrictions on freedom of _expression and association for students have been ongoing throughout the year, but the months of May and October/November saw particularly harsh actions against students by security forces. In both instances, crackdowns followed demonstrations to commemorate significant historical events, firstly, in May, the establishment of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement and secondly, in October, the 38th anniversary of student protests in October 1964 against the military government of General Abboud. . As last year, members of the Sudanese Students Democratic Front (SSDF) and Member of African National Front (ANF) have been particularly targeted.
Students in many universities are explicitly prohibited from taking part in political activities by Acts of Student Codes of Conduct introduced in January 2002, and these have continued to serve as the justification for suspensions and dismissals from a number of institutions. Meetings, demonstrations and other student political or social activities remain liable to being broken up by security forces, and one of the major student’s unions - Khartoum University Students Union (KUSU) – remains banned after it was suspended four years ago when opposition groups looked likely to win campus elections.
SOAT considers the continued persecution of students to be part of a systematic attempt by the Government of Sudan to silence opposition and to prevent individuals from expressing their political opinions and personal beliefs
SOAT condemns these arbitrary arrests and urges the Government of Sudan to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Ahmed Da’wah Al Bayt Ahmed.
2) Order his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF
Tel: 020 7625 8055
Fax: 020 7372 2656
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 7 May 2003
Arrest and Torture of a journalist
A number of security personal, from the National Security Agency, have arbitrary arrested Yousef Al Bashir Mousa, 35 years old, a reporter for the Al Sahafa daily newspaper in Nyala, resident in Khartoum Bilayil ( Khartoum at night) neighbourhood , Nyala. Yousef is disabled with his left leg is amputated.
His arrest took place on Saturday, 3rd May 2003 by 3 from Nyala stadium by 3 security personal, their names:
Ahmed Mousa
Usama
Walied
He was taken to the National Security Offices north of the Nyala industrial park. He was detained in cell, measuring 2m* 1m. The cell had little ventilation and he was sleeping on the concrete. He was provided with only 2 meals over the period of four days and was deprived from going to the toilet during his detention.
He was taken every night at 10pm for interogration. He was interrogated at gunpoint and threatened with rape and damage to his able-bodied leg. He was repeatedly beaten and punched on his face and abdominal area; they also used sticks to beat at the sole of his feet and shoulders.
One officer involved in the torture named Abd Al Moniem Tayfour and one other person dressed in a military uniform.
On 6th May, he was allowed to received medical treatment, Dr Abd Al Rahman Ahmed Hassan conducted this. The medical report confirmed that Yousef was tortured. His Lawyer Mousa’ed Mohamed Ali pledged an appeal for Yousef to be charged or released immediately.
Yousef was interrogated about his activities and information he sent to Al Sahafa newspaper.
Background
Despite the formal ending of press censorship in Sudan in December 2002, official pressure and restrictions on the media has continued. The government has censored independent newspapers more than a dozen times over the past year. The authorities have drawn what has been termed a ‘red line’ to newspapers about the following issues:
The peace process
Abduction of women and children
Arrests and releases of political activities or human rights defenders
Any information or news about the security forces
Any news or information about the Popular National Congress and its leader, Hassan Al Turabi
And recently any information or news on Darfour current confilict
In addition to these issues, restrictions have also been brought to bear on newspapers for their handling of the October student demonstrations, and of sexual health issues, notably female circumcision.
SOAT condemns the continuing restrictions on freedom of _expression in Sudan and urges the Government to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Mr Yousif Bashier
2) Order his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) To investigate his claim of torture and bring those responsible to justice
4) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
5)Cease the imposition of suspensions, pre-printing and post-printing censorship on newspapers, and allow full freedom of _expression in accordance with international human rights standards.
6) Allow proper research, discussion and dissemination of information on issues related to press freedom
7) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 12 May 2003
Confiscation of Al Sahafa and Al Shari’ Al Syasi newspapers
The National Security Agency has confiscated the Al Sahafa and Al Shari’ Al Syasi newspapers, which were due for distribution in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 6 May 2003 and Wednesday 7 of May. The confiscation took place at the printers before distribution.
The security agency confiscated 6,000 copies of Al Sahafa and 5,000 copies Al Shari’ Al Syasi. The security officer responsible is called Mohamed Osman; he came with several other officers for the confiscation of the newspapers.
The reason for the confiscation is due to the to the publication of articles by the newspaper on Saturday, 3 May 2003. The articles contained reports of the Sudanese Foreign Minister accusing Chad and Kenya of being involved in the recent unrests that took place Darfour region. However, the Foreign Minister withdrew his comments and all newspapers were ordered not to report it.
As the Al Sahafa and Al Shari’ Al Syasi did not follow the restrictions, the National Security Agency (media section) ordered the editor of Al Sahafa, Ahmed Yousef Al Tai, and the political editor of Al Shari’ Al Syasi, Abd Al Raziq Al Harth Ibrahim, to report back to them and not cross the so called ‘red line’.
SOAT also recieved an update information on Yousif Al Bashier Mousa, a 35-year-old reporter for the Al Sahafa daily newspaper in Nyala, Who was arrested on May 3rd, 2003. His arrest was extended for further six month .The district prosecutor ordered his release on May 6th, after he had been interrogated and not charged. However, he was reportedly immediately re-arrested by the security forces. On May 7th, 2003 the Muhafiz (Governor) of Nyala province, Mr. Adam Jama'a, issued a decree to extend Mr. Al Bashier Mousa's detention for six months, in accordance with article 26 of the emergency Act 1998. Mr. Al Bashier Mousa was accused of "spreading incorrect information against the State." He was transferred to Nayala prison on Saturday May 10th, 2003.
It is speculated that the reason behind the confiscation of the newspapers was to cause them financial loss, a financial punishment for not following the security agencies orders.
Background
Despite the formal ending of press censorship in Sudan in December 2002, official pressure and restrictions on the media has continued. The government has censored independent newspapers more than a dozen times over the past year. The authorities have drawn what has been termed a ‘red line’ to newspapers about the following issues:
The peace process
Abduction of women and children
Arrests and releases of political activities or human rights defenders
Any information or news about the security forces
Any news or information about the Popular National Congress and its leader, Hassan Al Turabi
And recently any information or news on Darfour current confilict
In addition to these issues, restrictions have also been brought to bear on newspapers for their handling of the October student demonstrations, and of sexual health issues, notably female circumcision.
SOAT condemns the continuing restrictions on freedom of expression in Sudan and urges the Government to:
i) Cease the imposition of suspensions, pre-printing and post-printing censorship on newspapers, and allow full freedom of expression in accordance with international human rights standards.
ii) Allow proper research, discussion and dissemination of information on issues related to press freedom
iii) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF
Tel: 020 7625 8055
Fax: 020 7372 2656
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 14 May 2003
Khartoum Monitor daily closed and Its editor jailed
On Saturday, 10 May 2003, the North Khartoum criminal court, presided by Judge Mohamed Sir al-Khatim Gharbaw, has ordered the English-language daily Khartoum Monitor to cease publication for two months and its daily chief editor, Nhial Bol, to be jailed after finding them guilty of inciting religious discord.
The religious guidance and endowments ministry filed a lawsuit against the newspaper and its managing editor Nhial Bol for publishing articles deemed abusive to Islam. The newspaper was ordered to cease its operations from May 10 until July 10.
The court ordered Nhial Bol to pay a fine of one million Sudanese pounds (US $400) or risk being imprisoned for four months after finding him guilty of inciting hatred against the state and inciting religious discord.
The lawsuit singled out three articles, including one about a priest who was imprisoned for refusing to demolish a church he had built in an area outside of Khartoum frequented by people who have been displaced by the civil war.
Another article run under the headline, "Are Muslims afraid of Christians?” while a third alleged that Islam allows people to drink locally brewed alcohol.
The Monitor has effectively been closed since Thursday, 8 May 03, when its assets were seized for its failure to pay a fine of 15 million pounds (6,000 dollars). An order, which was imposed last year for the publication of an article alleging slavery, was practiced in Sudan.
Nhial Bol was taken jail immediately after the court sentence on Saturday, 10 May 03, and he was freed only when his family paid the fine on Sunday, 11 May 2003. He Told SOAT that he was ill-treated while he was in prison
Background
The Khartoum Monitor was subject for harassment by the security forces over the past two-month, this included issues of the papers were confiscated before distribution and journalists working with the daily were subjected to harassment, continuous surveillance, interrogation and arrest.
One of such incidents included the confiscation of 3500 copies of the newspaper on Sunday, 9 March 2003(issue no. 59, vol. 4, due for release on 9 March 2003). The copies were taken from the printing works after printing was completed and before its distribution. No reason was initially given for the action. However, the following morning the editors of the newspaper were told that the reason behind the confiscation was an article written by the journalist Edward Lado Terso entitled “History speaks to Abdalla Ali”. The article was written as part of a debate with a reader called Abdalla Ali, from the Humanitarian Aid Commission, a governmental agency. The debate in question was on the subject of the history of Islam in Sudan.
Later in the same day, 9 March, the security forces ordered the managing editor of the Khartoum Monitor, Nhial Bol, and the journalist Edward Lado Terso to report to the security forces offices for interrogation.
On 11 March 2003, security forces from the offices of the newspaper in Khartoum arrested Edward Ladu Terso, and no reason was given for the arrest.
Despite the formal ending of press censorship in Sudan in December 2002, official pressure and restrictions on the media has continued. The government has censored independent newspapers more than a dozen times over the past year. The authorities have drawn what has been termed a ‘red line’ to newspapers about the following issues:
The peace process
Abduction of women and children
Arrests and releases of political activities or human rights defenders
Any information or news about the security forces
Any news or information about the Popular National Congress and its leader, Hassan Al Turabi
And recently any information or news on Darfour current confilict
In addition to these issues, restrictions have also been brought to bear on newspapers for their handling of the October student demonstrations, and of sexual health issues, notably female circumcision.
SOAT condemns the continuing restrictions on freedom of expression in Sudan and urges the Government to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Mr Yousif Bashier
2) Order his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
3) To investigate his claim of torture and bring those responsible to justice
4) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
5)Cease the imposition of suspensions, pre-printing and post-printing censorship on newspapers, and allow full freedom of expression in accordance with international human rights standards.
6) Allow proper research, discussion and dissemination of information on issues related to press freedom
7) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF
Tel: 020 7625 8055
Fax: 020 7372 2656
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 20 May 2003
A Child convicted of adultery and Sentence to 100 lashes
In Niyala
On 17 May 2003, a 14-year girl from Al Wihida Neighbourhood (Unity) of Niyala in Darfour, Western Sudan, was convicted of adultery under article 146 of the Penal code and sentenced to 100 lashes of the whip. The child, who cannot be named due to her age and to protect her identity, was arrested by the Public Police force (alshorta alsha’abiya), an irregular police force set up by the ruling party to “guard the public decency and the morality of the nation”
A 25 years old businessman, Mr. Alsir Sabeel Nour Aldeen, who was charged in connection with this incident found not guilty for the lack of evidence against him and he was freed.
The reason given for the charges of adultery brought against the girl was that she is unmarried, but she is currently nine months pregnant. This information was obtained by the ‘Public Committee’ in the neighbourhood and then passed on to the Public Police, who arrested the girl from her home.
Charges were brought against her and she was tried in front of the criminal court in Niyala under article 146 of Sudan’s 1991 Penal Code, which is as follows:
“ Whoever commits the offence of adultery (zina) shall be punished with: -
a) Execution by stoning when the offender is married (muhsan)
b) One hundred lashes of the whip when the offender is not married (non-muhsan)”
Mossad Mohamed Ali, a lawyer, who represented the girl, appealed to the court not to carry out the sentence since she is pregnant. In previous cases, the sentences were passed and carried out on the same day giving the defendant no chance of appeal.
SOAT condemns this kind of punishment, and is gravely concerned that the government of Sudan is increasingly carrying out punishments of this nature against childern which constitiute gross violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to which Sudan is state party. SOAT also gravely concern that the GOS is increasingly carrying out punshmnet of this nature against the people of Darfour, notably women. Punishments such as lashing, stoning and amputation constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment according to the UN Convention Against Torture and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.
Background
Since the beginning of 2002, 19 other women have been convicted of adultery by the Special Court in Niyala, Darfour, and punished with lashes of the whip. Abok Alfa Akok was initially sentenced to execution by stoning by the Special Court on 8 December 2001, for the crime of adultery. However, after a successful appeal by a SOAT lawyer, Akok, who was 18 years old and pregnant at the time, was sentenced to 75 lashes by the Criminal Court in Niyala on 12 February 2002. On 4 June 2002 and 17 November 2002, 18 other women were also found guilty of adultery and sentenced to 100 lashes of the whip by the Special court in Niyala.
On both of these occasions, the sentence was passed and carried out on the same day, and no men were charged in connection with the adultery allegedly committed by these women.
SOAT urges the Government of Sudan to: -
I) Immediately cease the use of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments
ii) Ensure that all trials are fair and are held before an impartial and competent tribunal
iii) Guarantee the procedural rights of defendants at all times
iv) Guarantee respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards, and conform to all recommendations made by the Human Rights Committee.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF
Tel: 020 7625 8055
Fax: 020 7372 2656
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: فتحي البحيري)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release: 30 May 2003
Arbitrary Arrest of a Political Leader
On Wednesday 28 May, Adam Mousa Madibbu, a senior official within the political bureau of the Umma Party, was interrogated at the political section of the National Security Agency (NSA) offices and imprisoned for one night in Kober Prison.
Adam, who is an architect by profession and a former cabinet minister, was summoned to the NSA offices at mid- day on Wednesday and was made to wait for three and a half hours at reception. He was then asked to return once more at 7:45 in the evening. Upon arrival, he was arrested and subsequently interrogated for a period lasting one and a half hours. His interrogation centred around the issues of the Cairo Declaration (in which the leaders of the three major groups in Sudan recently made assurances to support the current peace negotiations and to realize a national consensus through the participation of all political forces), the volatile situation in Darfour, his political activities and statements which he had made in a recent meeting of political parties representing Darfour.
At this event, which was organised by officials from the ruling National Congress Party, Adam expressed his opinion on the need to find a solution to the ongoing violence in Darfour, arguing that such a solution should come from within the region itself. Adam is an important figure in Darfour, not only because of his seniority within the Umma Party, but also because of his tribal connections since his deceased father was a tribal chief.
Following his arrest, Adam was transferred to Kober Prison where he claims he saw at least 33 other prisoners in his surrounding section, including Abdel- Rahman Dosa. Abdel- Rahman is also a member of the Umma Party’s politbureau with similar tribal connections and has been held in custody for 34 days.
After spending one night in the prison, Adam Mousa Madibbu was released on the following evening of Thursday 29 May. SOAT has been reassured that Adam was not mal- treated during his detention.
This is the most recent action taken by the Sudanese authorities which reflects the restrictions placed upon the freedom of _expression in relation to the sensitive events occurring in Darfour. The number of arbitrary arrests have also increased dramatically in the region.
SOAT condemns the continuing restrictions on the freedom of _expression and association in Sudan and urges the Government to:
SOAT condemns the arbitrary arrest of, and urges the Government of Sudan to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all prisoners in Sudan
2) Immediately disclose the whereabouts of all political prisoners currently held to their respective families
3) Order the immediate release of all political prisoners in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
4) Ensure that political prisoners have access to legal advice
5) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:
SOAT
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
SOAT Press Release 5 June 2003
Arrest and Harassment of Women Activists; Suspension of Women’s NGO
At 10:30 am on Monday 2 June, five officers from the Sudanese National Security Agency (NSA) arrested 38 women from the Nuba Mountain Women’s Association and 3 men who accompanied them as they were departing for a women’s conference for peace and development in Kawda town, Nuba Mountain.
The conference participants began their journey from the ‘Awda district in Omdurman only to be intercepted at Kalakala in Southern Khartoum, where they were met by 6 NSA pick- up trucks and 2 cars with blackened windows. The NSA officers, armed with kalashnikov rifles and pistols arrested the delegates and transported them to the NSA offices in Kalakala East, where they were searched in an antagonistic manner and insulted verbally. Following this, they were interrogated regarding their movements, the intentions of their trip and any relations they may have had with the SPLA.
8 conference delegates were then transported to the NSA offices in Omdurman (near Omdurman Traffic Police Station) where they were forced to sign a declaration promising that they would not leave Khartoum without the permission of the NSA. A number of personal items were confiscated from the group- including mobile phones, computer equipment, documents and diaries containing private details of contacts. In addition to this, a sum of approximately 8 million Sudanese pounds was confiscated and the delegates made to sit on the floor for an hour in the hot sun. The following people were released at 9pm on Monday 2 June but ordered to report to the NSA offices in Omdurman on a daily basis, from 8am in the morning until 8pm in the evening;
Huda Dawood (f)
Huwaida Bashir Kumi (f)
Ja’fariya Bashina (f)
E’timaad Faqih Ali (f)
Samir Abdallah (m)
Zeinab Balnadiya (f), President of the Ruayya Association, Jumm’a Durman (f), Camilla (f) were taken to the Khartoum NSA offices until they were finally released at 2am on the morning of 3 June 2003. They were also ordered to remain in Khartoum and to report to the NSA offices daily as described. They continue to do so.
The remaining members of the Nuba Mountain Women’s Association were released from the NSA offices in Kalakala at 2am on the morning of 3 June 2003. The offices of the Ruayya Women’s Organisation in Al- 'Awda, which was the initial meeting- point for the delegation’s trip, has since been closed down by the NSA.
SOAT condemns the continuing restrictions on the freedom of association in Sudan and the Harrasment of women rights actvist and urges the Government to:
SOAT condemns the arbitrary arrest of, and urges the Government of Sudan to:
1) Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all the women named above.
2) To allow freedom of association in general and to cease harassment of women’s rights activists
3) Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
PRESS RELEASE: 5 June 2003
15 Year- old Girl sentenced to 30 Lashes
On 1 June 2003, 15 year- old Aziza Salih Adam (f) was sentenced to 30 lashes of the whip by the District Court (Mahkamat Al- Muhafiza, formerly known as the Public Order Court,( Al- Nizam Al- ‘Aam) in Nyala, Western Darfour. Aziza, who works as an assistant to street- vendor selling tea in the Wehda district of Nyala, received this sentence for not wearing socks to cover her feet. The punishment was carried out on the same day as the sentencing.
Aziza was arrested from the street where she was working by the Police for Community Security (Police Amn Al- Mujtama’). According to regulations, all female street- vendors (especially those selling tea and food) must wear socks to cover their feet. In her defence, Aziza explained that she could not afford to purchase socks.
This is the most recent of incidents which reflects the unjust treatment and harassment of women in the Sudan, where strict adherence to often impractical dress codes is enforced in the name of Islam. Such severe punishments are commonplace in Darfour, where inter- tribal conflicts have escalated over recent months and penalties are the most severe in the whole of the country.
Since the termination of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur for Sudan on 17 April 2003, the Sudanese government has stepped- up incidences of arbitrary arrests, restrictions on the freedom of expression and association as well as torture and other cruel punishments such as the death penalty, amputations and whippings. This has been the case throughout the whole country and for the Darfour region in particular. Not only are these human rights violations much more frequent compared to other regions, but the most severe punishments are often carried out almost immediately, in this way allowing no opportunity for the defendant to appeal.
SOAT condemns this kind of punishment and is gravely concerned that the government of Sudan is increasingly implementing punishments of this nature against the people of Darfour, most notably women. Punishments such as whippings and amputations constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments according to the UN Convention Against Torture and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. Moreover, the Convention on the Rights of the Child which Sudan has ratified states that:
‘No child shall be subjected to torture other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’.
SOAT urges the Government of Sudan to: -
I) Immediately cease the use of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments
ii) Ensure that all trials are fair and are held before an impartial and competent tribunal
iii) Guarantee the procedural rights of defendants at all times
iv) Guarantee respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards, and conform to all recommendations made by the Human Rights Committee.
v) Guarantee girls and women their human rights, including their right to be free from discrimination, their right to legal counsel and a fair trial, and their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in line with international laws and standards
vi) Ratify the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women as well as the Convention Against Torture
The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:
His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 783223
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 788941
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 24911 779383
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan
Fax: + 24911 770883
His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].
SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact :
Osman Hummaida
SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF
Tel: 020 7625 8055
Fax: 020 7372 2656
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: elsharief)
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Subject: Use of systematic torture from Dark Era of Early Nineties
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2003 12:02:20 +0100
SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
Statement 9 June 2003
Sudanese Government Resumes Use of systematic torture from Dark Era of Early Nineties
Since the termination of the mandate for the UN Special Rapporteur for Sudan in late April 2003, the Sudanese government has stepped-up its systematic use of torture against students, political opponents and activists and especially those from the volatile region of Darfour. SOAT can confirm that the current patterns of torture being implemented are similar to those which were put into practice by GOS in the dark era of the early nineties. In fact, the Sudanese government has gone as far as to revert to the use of secret detention centres or "ghost houses" as a means of counteracting any form of opposition or suspected dissidence. SOAT is gravely concerned that these gross human rights violations are taking place and strongly condemns the use of torture against Sudanese citizens. SOAT urges that these instances of torture must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.
Below are two personal testimonies which illustrate the current events clearly:
a)Shazly ‘Abd Alfattah Ibrahim (m), is a 21 year- old student at AL- Nilein University. He is in his third year of a law degree and lives in the Kalakala district of Southern Khartoum. His political affiliation is with the Democratic Front. He was arrested on Wednesday 28 May 2003 at midnight from east Kalakala Street:
“A police patrol comprised of 6 police officers stopped and searched me. They found some documents belonging to the Democratic Front. I was arrested and taken to a house somewhere in between May Street and East Kalakala Street in a pick- up truck. They held me there from Friday 28 May until 31 May. During this period, I was interrogated and subjected to severe torture. They beat me with electric cables on my legs and other parts of my body and they used a wire to strangle me.
On Saturday 31 May at 9am, I was transferred to a National Security Agency (NSA) building on University Street where I remained until half past one in the afternoon. Then they moved me to the political section of the NSA buildings near Farough cemetery, where I was tortured by 4 security officers. They beat me with sticks on my legs and on the soles of my feet. They bashed my head against the wall until I collapsed, unconscious. Later they moved me, once again, to another building in the ‘Amaraat area- only I can’t remember what the time was. They kept me there until 2 June, when I was released.
I was specifically instructed not to visit a doctor or to contact any human rights organisations, otherwise I would be arrested again. Upon my release, however, I did go to a doctor who examined me and issued me with an ‘Ornake 8’ form”.
SOAT has obtained a copy of this medical report which is used for reporting incidences of torture and in this report, Dr. Ahmad Hamad confirms the extent of Shazly’s injuries. It states that his right foot was swollen, that injuries were sustained to his nose and left leg. He sustained severe bruising on his back and forehead, as well as cuts and bruises to his left ear. An x- ray which was carried out on his right leg indicated that there was no fracturing. His condition was considered stable, with no further complications.
b)Below is the testimony of Ahmad Mohammedein Waadi, a 35 year- old self- employed owner of a pharmaceutical store. He was arrested from his shop in Maleet on 6 May 2003 and later set free on 18 May:
“I was arrested by about 14 members of the Security Forces who came in a pick- up truck. They searched the shop and confiscated some vitamins. The President of the Security Forces was called Said.
They drove me to their offices in Maleet, where they interrogated me as to whether I had any relationship with the SLA . They claimed that I got into their vehicle and had described the government establishments to them. There was no opportunity to defend myself against these accusations when we were at the military base in Maleet
They took me to a room which was 3m x 3m in size. There was only one person , by the name of ‘Abdallah ‘Ali. In the room, they tied me up. They tied my hands behind my back and began to beat me. Five people participated in my beating with whips and electrical wires, punching and kicking me until I passed out. They continued to beat me randomly for a quarter of an hour, until I came to. Then they resumed beating me once again. During the beatings they swore at me and cursed. They threatened to rape my wife and sisters and they humiliated me. They poured water on my wounds, where they had beaten me. This continued for two days.
I remained at the Maleet barracks for two days altogether. Throughout this time, I only left the cell once in order to go to the bathroom. They used to bring us fool sandwiches twice a day and water constantly. At the end of the two days, they took me to Al- Fasher City’s Military Intelligence buildings, where I remained in a relatively large 5m x 5m cell for three days.
We came across a group of 11 people there. The beatings at the hands of the military Intelligence were irregular. They would beat us if we made any request- for example if we needed to use the bathroom they would whip us between about 10 to 15 times. The same would happen if we asked for some water. The humiliations were constant and it reached a point where I was threatened with rape.
There were three others in my cell at Maleet:
‘Abdallah ‘Ali (f)
Idris Hamed (f)
Ibrahim Mustafa (f)
‘Abdallah, Idris and I were deprived of sleep. They would ask us to sit and stare at the walls.
After three days with the El- Fasher Military Intelligence, they transferred us to the military prison. At the moment we arrived there, each one of us endured between 10 and 15 lashes of the whip. Then they put us into two cells 4m X 4m in size.
Our cell had 5 people other people in it already, so we totalled 8 people altogether. We spent 7 days in the military prison, during which time the whipping ceased. The ventilation was poor, we had one light and we were allowed to go to the bathroom once a day. We were fed twice a day- a meal which consisted of some water, bread
and salt. The water was rationed to two cups a day. We had no change of clothes or washing facilities.
As a result of the beatings I sustained on my face and back, I am currently receiving treatment for pain in those areas. One of the people with me- ‘Abdallah ‘Ali- was tortured by beating him on the head and forehead. His wounds became infected and his forehead swollen after they beat him with a water- pipe on his forehead. He was released at the same time as us. They told him to go straight to Maleet, where he lives in the district of Tadaamun. He works in Mohammad Hamed’s garage there.
Idris Hamed was also with me. He was beaten with a stick until his hand was broken.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article 5 that
'No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.' The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states in Article 7: 'No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.'
SOAT is gravely concerned about the increasing use of arbitrary arrest and subsequent torture at the hands of the Sudanese authorities. SOAT is also concerned about the authorities' use of arbitrary arrests, detention and torture as a
means of stifling political opposition in Sudan. Furthermore, SOAT
fears that the alleged perpetrators of these acts will not be brought to justice and that these two victims will not be awarded adequate compensation.
SOAT urgently request the GOS to
1- order a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances of these events and guarantee that those responsible are brought to trial and that the penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions are applied as provided by law;
2- guarantee adequate reparation to Shazly ‘Abd Alfattah Ibrahim and Ahmad Mohammedein Waadi
3- guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards,
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdel abayazid)
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11 June 2003 (la version française suit)
SUDAN
Security officials question Reporters Without Borders correspondent
Reporters Without Borders protested today against the lengthy interrogation of its correspondent in Sudan, journalist Faisal el Bagir, on his return on 8 June from Athens where he had attended an international conference of the future of the news media in Iraq.
"The aim of the interrogation was clearly to intimidate this journalist and human rights defender," said Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Robert Ménard. "We call on the Sudanese authorities to put a stop to this kind harassment, which is completely unjustified."
On his arrival in the early hours of 8 June at Khartoum airport, Bagir was detained for two hours by airport security officials who searched his bags and confiscated his passport and several newspapers. They also told him to report later in the morning to the political affairs department of the national security office. There he was questioned about his journalistic activities, his political views, his trip to Athens, and his links with the Sudan Organisation Against Torture (for which he works), the Khartoum Centre for Human Rights and Reporters Without Borders.
Bagir was previously detained at his home by airport security officials on 7 October 2002 on returning from Cairo, and was interrogated for several hours about an international conference on freedom of _expression he had just attended in Dakar. He was also summoned several times during 2002 by security officials for questioning about articles he had written on human rights issues and about his links with human rights organisations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 juin 2003
SOUDAN
Le correspondant de Reporters sans frontières
longuement interrogé sur ses activités
Faisal el Bagir, journaliste et correspondant de Reporters sans frontières au Soudan, a été interrogé plusieurs heures, le 8 juin, alors qu'il rentrait d'Athènes où il avait assisté à une conférence internationale sur l'avenir des médias en Irak.
" Ce type d'interrogatoire a clairement pour but d'intimider ce journaliste et défenseur des droits de l'homme. Nous demandons aux autorités soudanaises de mettre un terme à ce harcèlement qui n'est en aucun cas justifié ", a déclaré Robert Ménard, secrétaire général de Reporters sans frontières.
A son arrivée à l'aéroport de Khartoum, le 8 juin au petit matin, Faisal el Bagir a été retenu durant deux heures par des membres de la sécurité de l'aéroport. Ses bagages ont été fouillés, son passeport et plusieurs journaux confisqués. Intimé de se rendre, en fin de matinée, au département des affaires politiques du bureau de la Sûreté nationale, il a alors été interrogé sur ses activités journalistiques, ses opinions politiques, son voyage à Athènes, ses relations avec la Sudanese Organisation Against Torture (organisation pour laquelle le journaliste travaille), le Khartoum Centre for Human Rights, Reporters sans frontières, etc.
Le 7 octobre 2002, Faisal el Bagir avait déjà été arrêté à son domicile par des membres des forces de sécurité de l'aéroport alors qu'il rentrait du Caire. Le journaliste avait été interrogé plusieurs heures au sujet d'une conférence internationale sur la liberté d'_expression à laquelle il avait participé à Dakar. Courant 2002, le journaliste avait été convoqué à plusieurs reprises par les forces de sécurité. Les interrogatoires portaient sur les articles qu'ils avaient écrits sur les droits de l'homme ou sur ses relations avec des organisations de défense des droits de l'homme.
--
Virginie Locussol ([email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected])
Bureau Nord de l'Afrique - Iran / Northern Africa - Iran desk
Reporters sans frontières / Reporters Without Borders
5, rue Geoffroy-Marie
75009 Paris - FRANCE
Tél. (33) 1 44 83 84 84
Fax
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: فتحي البحيري)
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View this document in
AI INDEX: AFR 54/043/2003 17 June 2003 Printer Friendly
Amnesty International's Urgent Actions mobilize tens of thousands of supporters worldwide to send urgent letters, faxes and emails on behalf of those in immediate danger of torture, execution, "disappearance" or other human rights violations.
To take part in an Urgent Action, please join your country's Urgent Action Network
To take action online now, please see our featured worldwide appeal cases.
PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 54/043/2003
17 June 2003
UA 172/03 Fear for safety /fear of torture or ill-treatment/
incommunicado detention
SUDAN Ramadan Ismail (m) ]
Abu Nigel El Amin (m) ] all from the
Juma Mahamoud (m) ] Nuba ethnic group
Juma Omar (m) ]
Killed: Awad Ibrahim (m) ]
The four men named above have been detained incommunicado by security forces in
the town of Dongola, Northern Sudan, since 19 May. Amnesty International is
gravely concerned for their safety after a fifth man arrested with them was
reportedly tortured to death by security forces.
Ramadan Ismail, Abu Nigel El Amin, Juma Mahamoud and Juma Omar, all from the
Nuba ethnic group, were reportedly arrested on 19 May while attending a meeting
at the house of Awad Ibrahim, a well-known activist. They were allegedly
discussing the eventual repatriation of Nuba who were internally displaced
during the civil war in Sudan.
The five men were taken to the headquarters of the security forces in Dongola,
where they were reportedly accused of being traitors. Later the same day, Awad
Ibrahim's body was returned to his family home by the security forces. He had
died after reportedly being tortured. This increases fears for the safety of
the remaining four men.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Nuba Mountains region, in the centre of Sudan, has been particularly
affected by the 20-year civil war between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan
People's Liberation Movement / Army (SPLM/A), and thousands of people of Nuba
ethnicity have been internally displaced.
In July 2002, under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Authority on
Development (IGAD), an East-African inter-governmental organization, and
international mediators, the Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed "The
Machakos Protocol", paving the way for a future peace agreement. Before the
Machakos Protocol, the United States had brokered four agreements, including an
internationally-monitored ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains. It is now one year
since the ceasefire was put in place, monitored by an international "Joint
Monitoring Committee" designated by the international mediators. The region is
receiving humanitarian aid.
Under the 1999 State of Emergency Act and the National Security Forces Act, the
security forces can hold people in incommunicado detention without access to
judicial review for up to nine months. Detainees are often tortured while held
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdelrahim abayazid)
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18 June 2003
UA 175/03 Fear for safety/fear of torture or ill-treatment /incommunicado detention
SUDAN Elhadi Tangur (m), member of the Blue Nile community
An unknown number of others arrested in Blue Nile state
Elhadi Tangur, from Blue Nile state, eastern Sudan, was reportedly arrested at his home in the capital Khartoum on 16 June. He is being held incommunicado without charge at the headquarters of the security forces in Khartoum East, and is at risk of torture. Amnesty International is concerned for his safety.
Elhadi Tangur was reportedly arrested at 8am on 16 June by plain clothed members of the security forces. His arrest was allegedly in connection with his recent participation in a meeting in Khartoum, in which members of the Blue Nile community shared their views on the ongoing peace process in Sudan with the main international mediator for the Sudan peace talks, General Sumbeiyo. According to reports, the security forces suspect Elhadi Tangur of supporting the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), which has been fighting against the Government of Sudan in the 20-year-old civil war. Elhadi Tangur has not been charged with any offence.
There are also concerns for the safety of an unknown number of other people allegedly arrested by the security forces in the town of Demazin, Blue Nile State on or around 16 June. It is not known where they were taken or if they are being held by security forces. It is thought that they were also arrested in connection with the meeting on the peace process.
Since General Sumbeiyo left Khartoum, civil society and community representatives in Khartoum who shared their concerns with him have reportedly been threatened and intimidated by the security forces. On 2 June, 38 women from the Nuba Mountain Women’s Association were arrested by security forces while on their way to a conference on peace and development. The women were detained overnight, and at least one was freed on condition she continued to report to police. Some of their belongings were confiscated and the non-governmental organization which convened the meeting was closed down by the authorities shortly afterwards.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In July 2002, under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East-African inter-governmental organization, and international mediators, the Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed “The Machakos Protocol”, paving the way for a future peace agreement. General Sumbeiyo, the Kenyan government’s special envoy for peace in Sudan, is the main mediator in the peace talks.
Under the 1999 State of Emergency Act and the National Security Forces Act, the security forces can hold people in incommunicado detention without access to judicial review for up to nine months. Detainees are often tortured while held by security forces.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Arabic and English or your own language:
-expressing concern for the safety of Elhadi Tangur, who has been held incommunicado since being arrested by the security forces in Khartoum on 16 June, and urging the authorities to publicly reveal his whereabouts;
- expressing concern at the reported arrests in Demazin, Blue Nile State, and calling on the authorities
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: فتحي البحيري)
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SOAT
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
Press Release 20 June 2003
Use of systematic torture against students escalates
Since our statement dated 9 June entitled Sudanese Government Resumes Use of Systematic Torture, SOAT has become concerned that the Sudanese government has stepped- up the systematic use of torture against university students in particular. In the past two weeks alone, more than 12 students have reportedly been tortured at the hands of National Security Agency (NSA) personnel. Below is a detailed account of one of these recent incidents:
“My Name is Mohamed Sidiq Al- Zaybir. I am 23 years old and a third- year student at the Art Faculty of Khartoum University.
On Monday the sixteenth of June 2003 at exactly 8 am as I was leaving the student halls of residence at Khartoum University, I was hit on the head with a sharp object and led away by a group of nine to eleven people to a Toyota truck. I was thrown onto the floor of the truck and tied-up; then the car sped away from the scene. After twenty minutes, when we were close to Al- Gurshi Park, they took me down from the back of the truck, put me in the front seat of the car and blind- folded me.
The car stopped inside a building, which I later found out was the offices of the
National Security Agency close to Al- Farouqh Cemetery. I was led away from the car and a number of people began to beat and kick me continuously with their hands and feet. That was at around 8.20 am. After that I was dragged to a room on the fourth floor which contained only a chair and a naked wire which was connected to an electricity supply. Around 5 to 6 individuals began to beat me once again, focusing on the area behind my ear as they questioned me about the Democratic Front for Sudanese Students (DFSS) and certain people.
After that, another person who appeared to be an officer arrived and ordered them to stop the beating. He questioned me again about those people and the DFSS, but when I claimed I had no knowledge of them he asked for a water hose and began beating me with it. I fell unconscious as a result of the beating, but I awoke when they gave me an electric shock.
The beating began again at 8.20 am and continued until 2 pm, after which time they left me on my own, lying on the floor. Then at about 3 pm, they returned, threatened to kill me and questioned me again about the people I had said I had no knowledge of. So the beating continued, from 3 pm until half six. Every time I passed out, I was woken by electric shocks and blows to the soles of my feet.
At around 7 pm, the officer came back accompanied by 5 other people and I was thrown into a car. Then at half- seven, I was thrown out of the car onto Al Jamhoria Street.
On the day of my release, I received a medical report (form * for a check- up conducted by Dr. Osman Bashir Mohamed”.
SOAT has received a copy of this report, which clearly describes the extent of Mohamed’s injuries. The report states that at the time of his check- up, Mohamed’s body displayed:
Ø Severe bruising around both eyes
Ø Bruising and swelling of the right side of the forehead
Ø A cut on the right ear
Ø Major swelling behind the left ear
Ø A deep, 3cm- long cut on the back
Ø A 4cm-long cut on the left shoulder
Ø 3cm- squared circular burns on the left hand
Ø 3cm- squared circular burns on the soles of the right and left feet
Ø Bruising on the inside of the elbow
Ø Surface- burns on the right forearm
The doctor also requested that x- rays be taken of Mohamed’s head, chest and shoulders.
* This specific medical report form is one, which is completed by a doctor in the event of the patient having sustained injuries resulting from physical assault or abuse.
SOAT is gravely concerned about the increasing use of arbitrary arrest and subsequent torture at the hands of the Sudanese authorities. SOAT is also concerned about the authorities' use of arbitrary arrests, detention and torture as a
means of stifling political opposition in Sudan. Furthermore, SOAT
fears that the alleged perpetrators of these acts will not be brought to justice and that the victim in question will not be awarded adequate compensation.
SOAT urgently request the GOS to
1- order a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances of these events and guarantee that those responsible are brought to trial and that the penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions are applied as provided by law;
2- guarantee adequate reparation to Mohamed Sidiq Al- Zaybir
3- guarantee respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the country, in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdelrahim abayazid)
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> | This is spam | Add to Address Book
To: Undisclosed-Recipient@,
Subject: Fw. Amnesty UA
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 15:31:04 +0100
PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 54/046/2003
UA 178/03 Fear for safety/fear of torture or ill-treatment / 20 June 2003
incommunicado detention
SUDAN Abbas El Tigani (m), aged 26 ] students
Gamar Eldin Mohammed Eisa (m), aged 35 ]
Students, Abbas El Tigani and Gamar Eldin Mohammed Eisa are being held in incommunicado detention at an unknown location, following their arrest in the capital Khartoum. There are concerns for their safety as they may be at risk of torture or ill-treatment.
Abbas El Tigani was arrested on 29 May by plain clothed security officers. He is a final year student at El Nilein University in Khartoum and a member of the 10 strong Steering Committee of the Darfur Students Union. Following Abbas El Tigani's arrest, his fellow committee members have reportedly gone into hiding for fear of being arrested.
The Union represents all students from Darfur at universities around the country. It had been prevented from carrying out its work for the last two years by the government, which claimed that it was controlled by the opposition Popular National Congress Party. The Union had recently begun to work again and is preparing to elect its officials. The government however, is allegedly fearful that the elections could produce officials who do not support the ruling party.
Gamar Eldin Mohammed Eisa is also a student at El Nilein University. He was arrested on 10 June by plain clothed security officers from the coordination office for West Darfur State, in Khartoum. The reason for his arrest however is not known.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Sudanese authorities systematically use detention without charge as a means of silencing government critics and opponents. Those detained can be held for anything from a few hours to several years. Detainees are sometimes released then rearrested a number of times or else are released and ordered to report to a police station on a daily basis, when they are made to wait for hours before being seen. Many of those detained are also denied access to a lawyer.
Amnesty International is concerned about the pattern of detention and torture of students in Sudan. Following their release, many students have reported being harshly kicked and beaten by security personnel, who have often used hose pipes and gun butts. Detained students have also reported being made to sign an agreement not to engage in political activity before they are released. The security forces are also alleged to have put pressure on universities to dismiss students who oppose the government.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English, Arabic or your own language:
- expressing concern for the safety of Abbas El Tigani and Gamar Eldin Mohammed Eisa , who have been held incommunicado since being arrested by the security forces in Khartoum;
-calling on the authorities to give assurances that the detainees will not be tortured or ill-treated;
-urging the authorities to allow them immediate and unrestricted access to their relatives, legal counsel and any medical aid that they may need;
-calling on the government to abide by its commitments under Article 9 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and either charge the detainees with a recognizably criminal offence and give them a prompt and fair trial in accordance with international standards or set them free immediately;
APPEALS TO:
Mr Ali Osman Mohamed Taha
First Vice-President
People's Palace
PO Box 281
Khartoum, Sudan
Telegram: First Vice-President, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax : + 249 11 771651 / 779977
Salutation: Your Excellency
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Telegrams: Justice Minister, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 11 771479
Salutation: Dear Minister
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873
Khartoum, Sudan
Telegrams: Foreign Minister, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax : + 249 11 779383
Salutation: Dear Minister
COPIES TO:
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 11 779173 / 770883
and to diplomatic representatives of Sudan accredited to your country.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdelrahim abayazid)
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2003 12:06:48 +0100
Case SDN 250603
Death penalty / Fair trial
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention in the following situation in Sudan.
Brief description of the situation
The International Secretariat of OMCT has been informed by thE Sudanese Organisation against Torture, a member of the OMCT network, that nine men have been sentenced to death by hanging in Sudan.
According to the information received, the Kass Special Court sentenced Tibin Abdel Rahman Isaag; Alhadi Abaker Hammad; Abaker Harran; Abader Adam Bakheet; Issag Abaker; Saead Abdella Abaker; Mohamed Abdel Rahman Ibraheam; Easa Mohamed Adam and Mohamed Abdella Yahya to death by hanging after convicting them under articles 130
(murder) and 168 (armed robbery) of the Penal Code. The men were arrested on November 28th, 2003, at the local market in Kass City. The nine men are Arabs and have been accused of attacking a Four village called Alibya, West Kass City. The accused were convicted by the Kass Special Court under Judge Ahmed Adam Abu Hemaira. The defendants did not recieve a fair trial because their lawyers were not allowed to appear before the Special Court. An appeal has been submitted by the afore-mentioned detainees' lawyers to the Special Appeal Court in Nyala. The result of the appeal could take as long as two months. The sentence will reportedly only be
carried out following the decision of the High Court in Khartoum.
The International Secretariat of OMCT is gravely concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Tibin Abdel Rahman Isaag; Alhadi Abaker Hammad; Abaker Harran; Abader Adam Bakheet; Issag Abaker; Saead Abdella Abaker; Mohamed Abdel Rahman Ibraheam; Easa
Mohamed Adam and Mohamed Abdella Yahya. OMCT stresses that it is strongly opposed to the death penalty as an extreme form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and a violation of the right to life, as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other
international human rights instruments. OMCT is gravely concerned that the Special Courts that are trying these cases do not allow for fair trials. OMCT recalls that the procedures and sentences of the Special Courts are inconsistent with international human rights law
under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that Sudan has ratified, and the United Nations' Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment (CAT) to which the Government of Sudan is a signatory.
OMCT therefore calls on the Sudanese government to: immediately repeal the death sentences in question and; release the detainees in the absence of valid charges against them, which are in line with international law or, if such charges exist, to re-try the defendants before a competent and impartial tribunal, while respecting their procedural rights at all times, in accordance with the internationally recognized standards of fair trial.
Background Information
Special Courts were established in May 2001 to deal with offences
such as armed robbery, murder, weapons possession and smuggling. The
Special Courts consist of two military judges and one civil judge.
Lawyers are usually forbidden to stand before the Special Court and
plaintiffs are given the right to appeal only when sentenced to death
or amputation. Under such circumstances, the appeal must be made
within seven days of the sentence to the District Chief of Justice,
whose decision is final. According to the information received, the
Sudanese Minister of Justice has publicly admitted that the Special
Courts are not following correct judicial procedures. Fair trial
guarantees ensured by international human rights standards are
therefore ignored by the Special Courts. In the last year, the crime
most frequently resulting in death sentences has been armed robbery.
Action requested
Please write to the authorities in Sudan urging them to:
i. take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and
psychological integrity of Tibin Abdel Rahman Isaag; Alhadi Abaker
Hammad; Abaker Harran; Abader
Adam Bakheet; Issag Abaker; Saead Abdella Abaker; Mohamed Abdel
Rahman Ibraheam; Easa Mohamed Adam and Mohamed Abdella Yahya;
ii. immediately repeal their death sentences;
iii. order their immediate release in the absence of valid legal
charges, or, if such charges exist, bring them before an impartial
and competent tribunal and guarantee
their procedural rights at all times;
iv. prohibit the use of Special Courts, as they fail to comply with
national judicial procedures or internationally recognised fair trial
standards and guarantees;
v. guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms
throughout the country in accordance with national laws and
international human rights
standards.
Addresses
· His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir, President
of the Republic of Sudan, President's Palace, PO Box 281, Khartoum,
Sudan. Fax: + 24911
783223
· Mr. Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin, Minister of Justice and Attorney
General, Ministry of Justice, Khartoum, Sudan. Fax: +24911 788941
· Mr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan. Fax: +24911 779383
· Mr. Yasir Sid Ahmed, Advisory Council for Human Rights, PO Box 302,
Khartoum, Sudan. Fax: + 24911 779173
· His Excellency Ambassador Mr Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim, Permanent
Mission of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva, PO Box 335, 1211
Geneva, Switzerland, Fax: +4122 7312656. E-mail:
[email protected]
Please also write to the embassies of Sudan in your respective
country.
Geneva, June 25th, 2003
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this
appeal in your reply.
Organisation Mondiale Contre la Torture (OMCT)
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
Organización Mundial Contra la Tortura (OMCT)
8 rue du Vieux-Billard
Case postale 21
CH-1211 Geneve 8
Suisse/Switzerland
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Re: بيان من منظمة ضحايا التعذيب حول اعتقالات (Re: abdelrahim abayazid)
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UA 172/03 Fear for safety /fear of torture or ill-treatment/ incommunicado detention
SUDAN Ramadan Ismail (m) ]
Abu Nigel El Amin (m) ] all from the
Juma Mahamoud (m) ] Nuba ethnic group
Juma Omar (m) ]
Killed: Awad Ibrahim (m) ]
The four men named above have been detained incommunicado by security forces in the town of Dongola, Northern Sudan, since 19 May. Amnesty International is gravely concerned for their safety after a fifth man arrested with them was reportedly tortured to death by security forces.
Ramadan Ismail, Abu Nigel El Amin, Juma Mahamoud and Juma Omar, all from the Nuba ethnic group, were reportedly arrested on 19 May while attending a meeting at the house of Awad Ibrahim, a well-known activist. They were allegedly discussing the eventual repatriation of Nuba who were internally displaced during the civil war in Sudan.
The five men were taken to the headquarters of the security forces in Dongola, where they were reportedly accused of being traitors. Later the same day, Awad Ibrahim's body was returned to his family home by the security forces. He had died after reportedly being tortured. This increases fears for the safety of the remaining four men.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Nuba Mountains region, in the centre of Sudan, has been particularly affected by the 20-year civil war between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement / Army (SPLM/A), and thousands of people of Nuba ethnicity have been internally displaced.
In July 2002, under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East-African inter-governmental organization, and international mediators, the Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed "The Machakos Protocol", paving the way for a future peace agreement. Before the Machakos Protocol, the United States had brokered four agreements, including an internationally-monitored ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains. It is now one year since the ceasefire was put in place, monitored by an international "Joint Monitoring Committee" designated by the international mediators. The region is receiving humanitarian aid.
Under the 1999 State of Emergency Act and the National Security Forces Act, the security forces can hold people in incommunicado detention without access to judicial review for up to nine months. Detainees are often tortured while held by security forces.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English and Arabic or your own language:
-expressing concern for the safety of Ramadan Ismail, Abu Nigel El Amin, Juma Mahamoud and Juma Omar, who have been held incommunicado since being arrested by the security forces in Dongola on 19 May;
- expressing grave concern at the reported death from torture in detention of Awad Ibrahim, who was detained with the four men;
-calling on the authorities to give assurances that the detainees will not be tortured or ill-treated;
-urging the authorities to allow the four detainees immediate and unrestricted access to their relatives, legal counsel and any medical aid that they may need;
-calling on the government to abide by its commitments under Article 9 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and either charge the detainees with a recognizably criminal offence and give them a prompt and fair trial in accordance with international standards or set them free immediately;
- urging the authorities to open an independent, impartial investigation into the death of Awad Ibrahim, to make the results public, and bring to justice anyone found to have used or ordered torture.
APPEALS TO:
Mr Ali Osman Mohamed Taha
First Vice-President
People's Palace
PO Box 281
Khartoum, Sudan
Telegram: First Vice-President, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax : + 249 11 771651 / 779977
Salutation: Your Excellency
Mr Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Telegrams: Justice Minister, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 11 771479
Salutation: Dear Minister
Dr Nafie Ali Nafie
Minister of Federal Government
Office of the Presidents People's Palace
PO Box 281
Khartoum, Sudan
Telegrams: Federal Government Minister, Khartoum, Sudan
Salutation: Dear Minister
Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873
Khartoum, Sudan
Telegrams: Foreign Minister, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax : + 249 11 779383
Salutation: Dear Minister
Mr Elhadi Bushra
Governor of Northern Sudan
C/o People's Palace
PO Box 281Khartoum, Sudan
Telegram: Governor of Northern Sudan, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax : + 249 11 771651/ 779977
Salutation: Dear Governor
COPIES TO:
Dr Yasir Sid Ahmed
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 11 779173 / 770883
and to diplomatic representatives of Sudan accredited to your country.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 29 July 2003
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abdel abayazid
AnwarKing
BousH
elsharief
فتحي البحيري
abdelrahim abayazid
فيس بوك
تويتر
انستقرام
يوتيوب
بنتيريست