Sudan’s NISS files criminal charges against Darfur rebels

February 5, 2015 (EL-FASHER) – The special prosecutor for Darfur crimes revealed on Thursday that the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has filled criminal charges against several rebels arrested last month in Jebel Marra.

The Sudanese army and NISS militiamen recaptured last December several positions held by rebels in Fanga, east of Jebel Marra in North Darfur state. Khartoum claimed that the operational headquarters of different factions of Sudan Liberation Movement were based in the area.

Prosecutor Yasir Ahmed Mohamed told the semi-official Sudanese media Center that the rebels are officially charged on several criminal counts which carry the death penalty.

According to Mohamed, the rebels are charged of undermining the constitutional system and waging war against the state. They further face charges of terrorist activities and weapon possession.

The Sudan Liberation Movement-Minnin Minnawi (SLM-MM) admitted the death of a prominent rebel commander during the fighting with the Sudanese government troops in the region.

UN agencies say over 36 thousands civilians who fled the areas due to the fighting are now sheltered in different camps in North and Central Darfur states.

A UK-based group reported gross human rights violations by the militias against the villagers and civilians, accusing them of supporting rebel groups.

According to SUDO UK, on 1 February the militiamen attacked a group of civilians travelling from Korma to El-Fasher, killing a woman and severely injuring two men.

(ST)