Sudanese court orders to release three resistance committees members

August 3, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Khartoum central criminal court Wednesday acquitted three prominent activists of the neighbourhood Resistance Committees that spearhead and ordered their immediate release after months in detention.

Among the released is Saif al-Islam Essam, a prominent Resistance Committee member in the Al-Sahafa neighbourhood, who have been arrested last May in Sharoni of central Khartoum. He lost his sense of smell and taste under torture.

After the deterioration of Saif al-Islam’s health, a social media campaign was launched calling for the release of the detained resistance committee members.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, the Emergency Lawyers group said that Khartoum Central Criminal Court revoked the criminal case against Saif al-Islam and others and ordered their immediate release.

Saif al-Islam and the two other detainees had been charged with criminal damage including arson, graffiti on a public building, and destruction or damage of items belonging to another.

“The cancellation of the criminal charge is “a victory for justices and a crowning to the Emergency Lawyers committee’s efforts.,” said the legal defence group.

On May 29, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan lifted the state of emergency imposed after the coup of October 25, 2021.

However, the security forces continue to arbitrarily arrest protesters and use tear gas and live ammunition to disperse them, as it was under martial law.

(ST)