UN rights experts receive Sudan’s official report on September protests

June 22, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan Mashood Baderin received a report from the Sudanese Ministry of Justice about the protests of last September.

These demonstrations erupted in Sudan’s major towns following a decision by the government to lift subsidies on fuel and other basic commodities, leading to calls for regime change.

At least 200 protesters died, 15 of them children, and more than 800 others have been detained. The government puts the death toll at 80 and accused Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) of involvement.

The country’s attorney general Ahmed Mohammed Omer, told Baderin that legal procedures relating to incidents that took place during these protests is proceeding in accordance with the criminal procedure code.

Omer also informed Baderin that all cases under review in connection with the protests are registered with numbers that are known to their families. He called on all those who are in possession of information to communicate with the Ministry of Justice.

For his part, the head of the Public Prosecution office in Khartoum state Babiker Gashi affirmed the keenness of the justice ministry to establish the rule of law, stressing the continuation of investigations into the events of last September and that anyone implicated will be prosecuted.

Baderin asked Khartoum in his visit last February to present him with a report on September protests as soon as possible so he can submit to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) upcoming session next September.

The government referred the request to the two committees in order to prepare the report.

The UK ambassador in Khartoum Peter Tibber warned last April against trying to overlook the issue of the September victims in the ongoing national dialogue.

The families of the victims organize protests and vigils from time to time to demand the punishment of the perpetrators.

A Sudanese court acquitted a former army soldier three weeks ago accused of killing Sara Abdel-Bagi during the September protests.

The UN independent expert is scheduled to hold a press conference in Khartoum on Monday at the conclusion of his visit to the country.

(ST)