The ICRC transfers released detainees from Eastern Sudan

Khartoum (ICRC) ? A total of 176 detainees in Eastern Sudan were released
today by the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) under the
auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They were
transferred from their places of detention by the ICRC with the cooperation
of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and handed them over to the Sudanese
authorities in Khartoum.

The detainees had been held for more than five years in Eastern Sudan in
relation to the former conflict between the SPLA/M and the Sudanese
government.

In acting as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC was carrying out a request
from the SPLA/M and the Sudanese government. So far it has conducted this
service three times in 2005, assisting over 300 detainees held by the SPLM
in their release and transfer.

The present group of detainees were interviewed by ICRC delegates in
private prior to their transfer, to ensure that each was returning home of
his own free will. The ICRC also offered them access to medical facilities.

The ICRC had registered the detainees in 2002 and had visited them over the
years to monitor their conditions of detention and enable them to
communicate with their families through the Red Cross Message service.

For further information, please contact:
Lorena Brander, ICRC Khartoum, tel. +249 9 12 137764 or +249 1 83 476
464/65/66
Adil Sherif, ICRC Khartoum, tel. +249 9 12 1 61493 or +249 1 83 476
464/65/66
Annick Bouvier, ICRC Geneva, tel. + 41 22 730 24 58 or + 41 79 217 32 24
Or visit our website: www.icrc.org