SOAT Condemns Killing of Sudanese Journalist

Sudan Organisation Against Torture



Public Statement: 8 September 2006

SOAT Condemns Killing of Sudanese Journalist

Mohamed Taha Mohamed Ahmed





London, Khartoum 8 September 2006 - SOAT condemns the brutal murder of Mohamed Taha Mohamed Ahmed, a well-known journalist and social commentator in Sudan .



On 6 September 2006, the decapitated body of Mr. Taha, publisher and editor-in-Chief of Alwifaq Arabic language daily newspaper, was found in the Fetaih Alaqalien area of Kalakla district, approximately 25 Kilometres from central Khartoum .



Mr. Taha was kidnapped from his home in Kober, Khartoum North, at approximately 23:30 hours on Tuesday 5 September 2006. He was kidnapped by unknown masked individuals who forced him into a Corona Salon Car with blacked-out windows.



“We are deeply saddened and horrified by the murder of Mohamed Taha Mohamed Ahmed. Journalists must now work together in solidarity at this poignant time to continue to promote public dialogue, free media and freedom of _expression in Sudan ” said Faisal el Bagir, Sudanese Journalist and Human Rights Defender.



The brutal killing has sent shock waves throughout Sudan , particularly amongst journalists and human rights defenders. Mr. Taha received death threats on a number of occasions on account of his forthright and often controversial political and social commentaries published in the Alwifaq newspaper.



“The brutal murder of Mr. Taha was clearly intended to send a strong message from extremists to silence journalists and free speech in Sudan ” said Osman Hummaida, SOAT director.



Over the past two years, other prominent Sudanese writers and intellectuals have received death threats on account of their ideas. In 2004, a Fatwa was issued by known Islamist extremists and scholars calling for the death of Kamal al Gizouli (m), Sudanese writer, poet and lawyer; Haj Warag (m), writer and journalist; Dr. Farouq Kududa (m), academic and political commentator and Dr. Haydar Ibrahim Ali (m), academic, writer and head of the Sudanese Studies Centre, Khartoum. Although the individuals who issued the Fatwa are known to the authorities and the above group of writers submitted a memorandum to the President of Sudan requesting action, no steps have been taken to investigate or apprehend the perpetrators.



The kidnapping and murder of Mr. Taha exposes the failure of the Government of Sudan to provide protection and ensure the security of its citizens, even in the capital city of Khartoum .



SOAT calls on the Government of National Unity to:



1. Ensure a speedy, impartial and independent investigation into the abduction and murder of Mohamed Taha Mohamed Ahmed



2. Investigate and bring to justice the individuals who issued the Fatwa against Kamal al Gizouli, Haj Warag, Dr. Farouq Kududa, and Dr. Haydar Ibrahim Ali



3. Provide effective protection to Kamal al Gizouli, Haj Warag, Dr. Farouq Kududa, and Dr. Haydar Ibrahim Ali.







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:

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Website: www.soatsudan.org



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