Darfur: 4 detained in a hole in the ground
SOAT
On 15 February 2005, the armed forces and military intelligence in Nyala arrested four men belonging to the Zaghawa community from Sanya Afondu village, east of Nyala, on suspicion of joining the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA). The men were arrested whilst in the local market and taken to a military camp, 1km West of Sanya Afondu village where they are detained in a hole in the ground. The details of the men are;
– 1. Yasir Hassan Osman, 20 yrs, Merchant (released on 18-02-2005)
– 2. Hassan Younis Abdella Ateam, 25 yrs, Caterer (seriously wounded)
– 3. Hussain Younis Abdella Ateam, 25 yrs Labourer
– 4. Abdella Mohamed Fadul, 40 yrs, Shoe Trader
The men have reportedly been tortured and received severe injuries. They have been flogged on their chests and backs, and beaten severely with sticks on their testicles, head, backs, shoulders and legs.
On 18 February 2005, one of the detainees, Mr. Yasir Hassan Osman was released and he is receiving medical treatment for his injuries at the SOAT’s partner organisation in Nyala, Amel Medical Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims. The three remaining detainees have received no medical treatment and remain in detention despite the severity of their injuries. Hassan Younis Abdella Ateam is reportedly seriously wounded. The men are facing no official charges.
Six of the alleged perpetrators of torture have been identified. Their names are as follows:
– Mohamed Nour (Sergeant)
– Shole Daing
– Fadul
– Salah
– Burram (Sergeant)
– Abdel Nasir officer (Lieutenant)
Gross violations of human rights including arbitrary arrests, detentions and torture of civilians continue unabated in the Darfur region. There is a clear pattern whereby civilians accused of supporting and or joining the rebel movements are subject to arbitrary arrests and torture by the government security apparatus. Since January 2005, SOAT has documented the arbitrary arrest, detention and torture of over 45 civilians in Darfur who have been targeted for their perceived support of the SLA. Of the 45 people reported to have been arrested, the whereabouts of 12 persons remain unknown, and 25 others remain in detention. In February 2005, the government strategy took a worrying turn. On 12 February 2005, government armed forces attacked Gedel Haboub village, 12 km North-East of Nyala for their alleged support and alleged assistance to the SLA. Reportedly, armed forces flogged the population of the village and fired live ammunition to intimate the village.
SOAT strongly condemns the arbitrary arrests and systematic use of torture that occurs with impunity in Darfur. SOAT expresses fear for the safety of all of the detainees and is calling on the GoS to give assurances that they will not be further tortured or ill-treated. SOAT calls upon the GoS to give assurances that the detainees will be allowed access to medical treatment and that these cases will be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.
SOAT urges the Government of Sudan to:
– Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all the detainees;
– To allow them immediate and unrestricted access to their families and any medical treatment that they may require;
– Order the immediate release of all of the detainees in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times;
– Ensure that all of the detainees have access to legal advice;
– Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association, throughout Sudan, in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
– E-mail: [email protected]
– Website: www.soatsudan.org