Mass death sentences and life terms issued for alleged RSF support

 December 31, 2024 (AL MANAQIL) – A Sudanese lawyer said on Tuesday that 250 people have been sentenced to death or life in prison for allegedly supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in areas under army control.

Rehab Mubarak, a member of the civilian group Emergency Lawyers, told Sudan Tribune that the sentences, which include 16 women, were handed down in various locations, including Al Damazin in Blue Nile state. Dozens more women face similar charges or await trial.

“These are abnormal trials,” Mubarak said, adding that they target a broad range of people, including politicians, unionists, and ordinary citizens.

She said many were convicted under Articles 50 and 51 of Sudan’s 1991 penal code, which relate to undermining the constitutional system and inciting war against the state.

Mubarak said citizens from Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, and Kordofan were accused of providing a haven for the RSF. Those from northern Sudan who oppose the war are being tried under the same laws.

On Monday, the Al Manaqil General Criminal Court sentenced a man to death by hanging after convicting him of violating Articles 50 and 51. The Atbara General Criminal Court also sentenced two men to death by hanging on the same charges.

The same court acquitted a woman accused of similar offences.

According to the Public Prosecution, all judgments were issued in the presence of defence lawyers.