Political detention in Sudan aimed at silencing opponents: UN
December 12, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the agency is “deeply concerned” about the recent arrest of Sudanese opponents, saying the move aims to prevent them from denouncing government policies.
The official further pointed to the “high-profile case” related to the arrest of Farouk Abu Essa, chairman of the opposition National Consensus Forces (NCF), and the prominent human rights defender, Amin Mekki Madani last Saturday after the signing of the “Sudan Call” with the rebel groups in Addis Ababa.
Also, the security apparatus on Sunday 7 December arrested Farah Agar, a former member of the ruling National Congress Party and its candidate for governor in the Blue Nile state during the 2010 elections. Agar did not sign the Sudan Call but was in Addis Ababa to meet the rebel groups like many opposition members.
“We have received information indicating that there are serious concerns about the health and safety of Dr Medani, 76, and Dr. Issa, 78. Both men require essential daily medication as they are diabetic”.
Shamdasani further said that Madani has high blood pressure while Abu Issa suffers from cyanosis.
Abu Issa’s family told Sudan Tribune that they were not able to visit him since his arrest and ignore his whereabouts or the charges he is facing. However, they said that security agents had agreed to deliver him some medicines.
“The government is required by its international human rights obligations to inform individuals arrested of the grounds for their arrest through an arrest warrant, to guarantee their safety, disclose their whereabouts, grant access to their family members and lawyers, and to provide any medical assistance they may require,” she said.
The spokesperson further urged to release the three political detainees in the absence of valid legal charges or promptly charge them with a recognisable “offence and bring them before a judge with guarantees of their fair trial rights”.
The government said the opposition forces should not reach the rebel groups adding that affects the morale of its soldiers who fight them in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan these days.
The Sudan Call calls for the release of political freedoms and creation of a conducive environment before the national dialogue process initiated by the president Omer al-Bashir. It further reaffirms that only a negotiated comprehensive solution can bring peace and restore democracy in Sudan.
Shamdasani expressed concerns over the growing restrictions of freedoms in the country and the detention of political and youth activists during the last six months.
“We urge the Government to cease the harassment and prosecution of political activists, human rights defenders and other public commentators such as journalists and bloggers for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and opinion,” she said.
(ST)