Sudanese police detain human rights activist

July 9, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese police have detained a senior member of a human rights organization, a spokesman for the organization said on Sunday.

Sudan Organization Against Torture (SOAT) spokesman Faisal al-Batal said police had taken SOAT’s coordinator, Najib Najmeldin, to a police department which deals with crimes against the state.

Najmeldin had not yet been formally charged, al-Batal added.

Sudanese police spokesmen and the Interior Ministry could neither immediately confirm nor deny the detention.

Sudan has often targeted rights workers.

Rights groups say the torture and mistreatment of detainees in Sudan is common.

(Reuters)