Fatal torture of mental health patient unveiled amidst ongoing war in Sudan
July 25, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – A person suffering from mental health issues succumbed to severe torture within a detention facility operated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), located east of the capital, Khartoum, days after his arrest.
Since the breakout of the war in Sudan in mid-April, the RSF has apprehended numerous civilians, relocating them to illicit detention centres under its control in Khartoum.
“Jaafar Adam Mohamed, a resident of Al-Jeraif suburb, Square 79, was tortured to death inside the detention centre of the Operations Authority, which was transformed by the paramilitary forces into one of its largest camps in Khartoum,” sources close to the case told Sudan Tribune.
The unfortunate victim, Jaafar, who was known to have psychological disorders, was taken into custody by the RSF from Sitteen Street. He was subsequently transferred to the camp, where he underwent severe torture, leading to his untimely demise in early July.
The RSF is now facing a multitude of charges, including murder, arrest, enforced disappearance, conflict-related sexual violence, and the illegal occupation of public facilities and civilians’ homes.
The sources further disclosed the alarming presence of numerous individuals with mental disabilities detained by the RSF.
Prominent lawyer and human rights defender Ali Ajab conveyed to Sudan Tribune his distress, stating that “Jaafar’s assassination in detention is an incident that is not isolated from the serious human rights violations committed in the context of the ongoing war in Khartoum and Darfur.”
Ajab emphasized that arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention, and torture were grave crimes against humanity.
“I have information that the RSF has a large number of detainees, who were arrested at the checkpoints they establish, and they also have a connection with the crimes committed in Darfur, especially in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state,” he added.
He urged the international community to meticulously document all crimes and violations, seeking prosecution of the perpetrators before the International Criminal Court (ICC) and within Sudanese jurisdiction, wherever justice could be served.
Recently, the ICC Prosecutor notified the UN Security Council about the commencement of an investigation into new war crimes that occurred in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state.
(ST)