SOAT : Torture of Student in Khartoum

SOAT

Sudan Organisation Against Torture

Human Rights Alert: 31 August 2005

Kidnapping; Torture of Student in Khartoum

On 22 August 2005 at 11:00am, security officers and the National Congress Party Student Militia wing kidnapped Abu Alabass Mohamed Hassan, (22 yrs), a student at Alahlia University, Omdurman. Mr. Abu Alabass had been calling for the re-establishment of the University Student Union.

Mr. Abu Alabass was kidnapped at the front of Alahlia University and forced into a waiting car. Mr. Abu Alabass was taken to a house not far from the University where he was subjected to severe torture. The kidnappers’ inserted a bottle of mineral water into Mr. Abu Alabass’s anus, beat him all over his body and threatened him with rape. The kidnappers also shaved Mr. Abu Alabass’s head hair, his moustache and forced him to sign unknown documents. . The kidnappers also demanded that Mr. Abu Alabass to give up his student activities and to join the National Congress Party.

Fourteen hours after his kidnapping, at 01.00am, (23 August) Mr. Abu Alabass was blindfolded, driven from the house and abandoned in a derelict area in Omdurman. After walking for approximately ten minutes, Mr. Abu Alabass found himself at Alsouq Alshabi, Omdurman.

Mr. Alabass reported to SOAT’s partner organization in Khartoum, Amel Centre for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture on 23 August 2005 where he is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries and legal aid. (See attached picture)

Background

Since July 2005, SOAT has documented the arbitrary arrests, detention and torture of over 22 students from Sudan University for Science and Technology and Alahlia University in Omdurman by security officers and the National Congress Party Student Militia wing. It is alleged that these students are being targeted and threatened to join the National Congress party or to refrain from any political activities.

The methods of torture reported by the students, particularly the sexual torture, sexual humiliation and threats of rape are identical to those utilised by the National Security Bureau and the Islamic students’ militia during the 1990s and the early part of 2000s.

SOAT condemns the kidnapping and torture of Abu Alabass Mohamed Hassan and urge the government of Sudan to undertake an investigation into the incident and into all the students that have been arrested, tortured and detained for exercising their fundamental human rights and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Moreover, SOAT calls on the government to immediately begin the reform of the security apparatus and to implement the Sudanese Interim Constitution which came into effect on 9 July.

SOAT recalls Article 33 of the Constitution which provides that “No person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment” and urges the government to abide by this anti-torture principle as enshrined in the Constitution. In addition the Constitution guarantees the right of freedom of association. Article 40 (1) asserts that “…every person shall have the right to freedom of association with others, including the right to form or join political parties, associations and trade or professional unions for the protection of his interests.”

SOAT calls on the government of Sudan to:

– i. Investigate the kidnapping and torture of Abu Alabass Mohamed Hassan and to bring the perpetrators before an impartial tribunal and guaranteed procedural rights at all times;

– ii. Immediately cease its campaign of intimidation and harassment of students in Khartoum;

– iii. To disband its various militia groups and to end impunity for crimes committed by the security forces and the various militia groupings affiliated to the government;

– iv. Guarantee, protect and implement the Bill of Rights as enshrined in the Interim Constitution particularly ;

– v. Guarantee respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards;

The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following addresses:

His Excellency Field Marshal Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President’ s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 783223

His Excellency Salva Kirr Mayardit

First Vice-President
People’s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 771025

His Excellency Ali Osman Mohamed Taha
Vice-President
People’s Palace

PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 771025

Mr. Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs/External Relations
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 779383

Dr. Abdelmuneim Osman Mohamed Taha
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 770883

Permanent Representative:

His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Elhassan Ahmed Elhaj
Ambassador
Avenue Blanc 47
1202 Geneva
Tel: 022 731 26 63
Fax: 022 731 26 56
Email: [email protected]

SOAT is an international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:

Website: www.soatsudan.org