Rights groups say detained Sudanese journalists were tortured
May 26, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – Two rights groups expressed alarm at allegations of torture against four Sudanese journalists arrested last week and called on the government to investigate it.
Their arrest occurred after the detention of the PCP leader Hassan Al-Turabi accusing him of is stirring up hatred, disseminating malicious lies.
Amnesty International on Wednesday said concerned by reports about torture and ill-treatment of two journalists, Abuzar Al-Amin and Al-Tahir Abu Jawhara, and urged to investigate it and hold “those responsible accountable”.
In the same time Reporters without Borders today called for the immediate release of the four journalists of the banned daily. The worldwide press freedom organisation further termed their torture “disgraceful”.
The crackdown on the opposition party took place after the publication of a report alleging that Iran had constructed a weapon factory in Sudan aiming to supply Islamists insurgents in Somalia and Yemeni Shiite rebels as well as Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas.
The ministry of information said the publication of this report comes as international community considers new sanctions against Iran over the nuclear file and tries to create a link between Sudan and Iran.
Abuzar Al-Amin, the Deputy Editor in Chief of the newspaper, was arrested on the 15th of May with three of his colleagues, Ashraf Abdelaziz, the newspaper’s editor, its printing director Abu Baker Al Sammani and its administrator Nagi Dahab.
Al-Tahir Abu Jawhara, head of the political news desk of Rai Al Shaab was separately arrested on the 16th May.
Abuzar and Al-Tahir have been tortured by National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) agents after their arrest.
Abuzar had been tortured while held in incommunicado detention following his arrest. He was covered in bruises and complained of back pain, blood in his urine and insomnia. “He is in need of urgent specialized medical attention,” Amnesty said.
Al-Tahir Abu Jawhara has also reportedly been tortured. Abu Baker Al- Sammani has been released by the NISS.
On May 19, the men were transferred to the “Crimes against the State” Prosecution offices in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.
The newspaper, Rai Al-Shaab, a supporter of the Popular Congress Party, was raided by NISS agents. When employees arrived for work on 16 May, the offices were closed and guarded by NISS agents.
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Kur William
Rights groups say detained Sudanese journalists were tortured
Where is human right or international tribunal? this is another unedermining of human right laws in Sudan.It is very unacceptable to torture people like this for just a allegation.
Bashir dosen,t want poeple who maintain peace in the country the guy is really sreious to terrorizes the world with its ally Iran there no doubt that Iran has built a chemical weapons factory in Sudan in order to supply hardware to those terrorist groups who have been mention above the article.
Why these journalist had been torturing badly for the allegation only that they have publishing article containing the government concerns and at the same time they are contradicting of having upper hands with Iran Oh lord where are international watchdogs to discover this havoc conspiracy.
Is Bashir really notorious in Afica to build neclears weapons with Iran if so why did Americans with their Europeans partners hurt Iraq regime, how bias they do of contronting North Koreas.
william