Sudanese lawyers demand new probe into detainee’s death in police custody

October 9, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – A group of Sudanese lawyers on Thursday demanded a new investigation into the death of a man in police custody, alleging he died from gross medical negligence and possible torture after being unlawfully detained for 12 days.

Al-Moaz Abu Sawar al-Sheikh Awouda, a civilian, died in a Port Sudan hospital in August 2024. His death came six days after a public prosecutor had ordered his release, but police continued to hold him, the Emergency Lawyers group said in a statement.

The lawyers’ demand follows a decision by an initial investigative committee to close the case, finding no legal violations. The family was not formally notified of the decision, the group said.

Awouda was arrested in early August 2024 by the Security Cell, a joint force of the army, police, and intelligence services. He was initially charged with fraud and bribery, despite not being a public official.

After the prosecutor dropped those charges, a security officer personally appealed the release order—an act the lawyers called a “clear legal overreach.” The prosecution then filed a new, lesser charge against Awouda related to visa forgery.

The lawyers said Awouda was held in harsh conditions, denied adequate food and water, and was refused bail. “His health deteriorated significantly… no action was taken to transfer him to a hospital for treatment,” the statement said.

He was taken to a hospital on August 12, 2024, after falling into a coma. A medical report later showed he had bleeding in his lungs and swollen organs, which the lawyers say points to negligence and possible torture.

The Emergency Lawyers group called the death a “grave violation of the right to life” and accused security agencies of encroaching on the authority of the Public Prosecution.