African body urged to press Sudan for release of jailed activists
February 20,2015 (KHARTOUM) – Four human rights groups have called on the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) to ensure the release of two Sudanese activists detained for the past three months .
The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), REDRESS, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) announced they lodged a complaint with the ACHPR to work for the prompt release of the two activists.
The two detainees “face unfair trial on 23 February on charges that carry harsh penalties including life imprisonment,” said a statement released on Friday.
The African rights body is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights to which Sudan is party. It is expected to hold a meeting in Banjul, Gambia on 19 February.
The four groups underscored that the cosignatories of the “Sudan Call”, committed themselves to peacefully work to end the armed conflicts in Darfur and the Two Areas and establish a “State of Citizenship and Democracy” to pave the way for legal, institutional and economic reforms.
The opposition parties signed the agreement in line with an African Union roadmap aiming to reach a cessation of hostilities agreement between the government and the rebel groups before to hold a national conference on constitutional reforms.
However, the two leaders are charged with serious offences against the State under “the 1991 Criminal Act and the 2001 Anti-Terrorism Act and are facing trial before a court established under the anti-terrorism law that fails to meet fair trial guarantees,” the statement said.
The detention and upcoming trial of Medani and Abu Eissa “are a reprisal for their legitimate activities and exercise of their rights to free expression” they stressed.
(ST)