Sudanese activist arrested days after heckling ruling party official

January 1, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – A young Sudanese activist has been arrested few days after becoming an idol in the eyes of oppositionists following his public confrontation with a fearsome government official.

Mohamed Hassan Alim Boshi, a fresh graduate of engineering, was snatched at gun point on Monday’s afternoon from his house in one of Khartoum’s eastern suburbs, according to his lawyer Wagdi Salih, as cited by the BBC.

Boshi’s arrest happened few days after the emergence and wide-dissemination of video footage showing him berating the presidential assistant and deputy chairman of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP), Nafe Ali Nafe, in public during a symposium organized by NCP-affiliated students at Khartoum University.

In the video, the young activist described Nafe as the “worst human being and violator of rights.” He further warned the powerful government official that the Sudanese masses would soon rise and overthrow the government.

Boshi’s spunk has thrust him into the hearts of anti-government activists. A Facebook-based group created to praise him now boasts of over 900 fan members, and his photo continues to feature prominently in cyberspace activities of anti-government groups and individuals.

Speaking to the BBC, his lawyer said that Boshi remained incommunicado since his arrest, and appealed to Human Rights organizations to demand that the Sudanese government discloses the whereabouts of the young activist.

The lawyer further held the Sudanese responsible for his safety from torture and return to his family.

“We know why Boshi was arrested. He committed no crime except telling the truth in the face of a man holding a public position,” the lawyer said.

A petition calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Boshi was extended to Sudan Tribune on Tuesday. The petition argues that Boshi’s arrest contravenes Sudan’s constitutional obligations and the international conventions that the government has agreed to.

Sudan has witnessed an increase in dissent since the eruption last year of popular revolts in some Arab countries and the decline of economic conditions following the secession of South Sudan.

But the government has managed to contain several small protests, and its officials continue to voice confidence that Sudan is unlikely to experience a popular uprising.

(ST)

Below is the video of Boshi’s public criticism against Nafe Ali Nafe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOxa2dt0Plw