Darfur: Arbitrary Detentions and Fear of Torture
SOAT
SOAT is gravely concerned by the continued arrests and detention without charge of civilians in Darfur for their perceived support of the rebel opposition group, Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), by government security apparatus.
1. On 3 March 2005, police officers in Nyala arrested Adam Fadoul Abaker (43 yrs), from his home in the Hey Khartoum Bilail neighbourhood of Nyala, on suspicion of supporting the SLA. Mr. Adam was taken to police head quarters in Nyala where he remains in detention and is facing no official charges. Mr. Adam’s family were allowed to visit him shortly after his detention and they report that Mr. Adam has been tortured. It is not known whether Mr. Adam has received medical treatment as his family have been denied further access.
2. On 1 February 2005, military intelligence in Zalingy arrested Abaker Abdel Khalig Mohamed Khameas (35 yrs), a farmer from Balong, near Nertati, on suspicion of supporting the SLA. Mr. Abaker was taken to military detention centre in Zalingy where he remains in detention and is facing no official charges.
3. On 12 October 2004, security forces from Nertati arrested Moudasir Soulieman Osman Bahr Aldean (17 yrs), a student, on suspicion of supporting the SLA. Mr. Moudasir was taken to Zalingy general prison where he remains in detention and is facing no official charges.
4. On 28 September 2004, military intelligence in Zalingy arrested Omer Soulieman Haroun (57 yrs), from Nertati on suspicion of supporting the SLA. Mr. Omer was taken to military detention centre in Zalingy. Six months after his detention, Mr. Omer remains in detention and is facing no official charges.
5. On 15 August 2004, security forces arrested Ishag Bol Bol (38 yrs), a farmer from Nertati, on suspicion of supporting the SLA. Mr. Ishag was taken to the national security detention centre in Zalingy. Mr. Ishag remains in detention and is facing no official charges.
6. On 06 June 2004, security forces arrested Yousif Haroun Rahma (29 yrs), a student from Nertati on suspicion of supporting the SLA. Mr. Yousif was taken to Zalingy general prison where he remains in detention without charge.
Since January 2005, SOAT has documented the arbitrary arrests and detention of over 45 civilians reportedly tortured in Darfur for their perceived support of the SLA. Out of this figure, the whereabouts of 12 persons are unknown and 25 civilians remain in detention. SOAT expresses fears for the detainees and calls upon the government of Sudan (GoS) to give assurances that they will not be tortured or ill-treated.
SOAT strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of these men and calls on the government of Sudan to:
i. Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all the detainees.
ii. Immediately release all 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.
iii. Ensure that all the detainees have access to legal advice
iv. 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.
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