Sudan Organisation Against Torture
Human Rights Alert: 8 March 2005
Darfurian Student at Risk of Being Hanged
On 14 February 2005, military intelligence in Nyala arrested Adel Eltigani Bashir (22yrs), a Darfurian student from the Fur tribe in Jorouf Village, 19 km North of Nyala on suspicion of joining the rebel forces in Darfur.
Mr. Adel was initially detained in military intelligence custody in Nyala and reportedly tortured by military intelligence officers. His legs and hands were chained and he was beaten with sticks all over his body and face, kicked with boots, and flogged on his back and shoulders. Despite the severity of his injuries, Mr. Adel did not receive medical treatment.
On 2 March 2005, Mr. Adel was transferred to Nyala Wasat (central) police station and officially charged with Article 51 (Waging War Against the State) which carries the death sentence and Article 58 (Abetment of Mutiny) of the 1991 Penal Code.

On 6 March 2005, Mr. Adel was transferred to Nyala prison where he remains in detention, awaiting trial. SOAT's network of lawyers in Nyala are providing legal assistance to Mr. Adel.
SOAT is unconditionally opposed to the death penalty and strongly condemns its use by the Government of Sudan. SOAT is gravely concerned by the arbitrary arrest and charges which carry the death sentence for civilians in Darfur perceived as sympathising with armed opposition groups in Darfur, and by the procedures of the Specialised Criminal Courts, which operate in Darfur and which do not comply with international or national standards for fair trial.

SOAT strongly urges the Government of Sudan to:

Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Adel Eltigani Bashir

Allow Adel Eltigani Bashir immediate and unrestricted access to his any medical treatment that he may require

Ensure that Adel Eltigani Bashir has access to legal advice

Investigate allegations of torture and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Abolish the death penalty in Sudan.

Ensure respect for rights to fair trial and to legal appeal in accordance with international human rights standards, for all detainees throughout Sudan.
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: + 249 183 783223

Mr. Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 788941

Mr. Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 779383

Dr. Abdelmuneim Osman Mohamed Taha
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 770883

Permanent Representative:

His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Elhassan Ahmed Elhaj

Ambassador

Avenue Blanc 47

1202 Geneva

Tel: 022 731 26 63

Fax: 022 731 26 56

Email: [email protected]

SOAT is an 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: