Sudan suspends execution of seven Darfur rebels

December 21, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Two groups of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), led by Jibril Ibrahim and Bakheit Abdel Karim (Dabajo) , said Sudanese authorities have started preparations to hang seven of their members, but the latter succeeded to stop the process.

JEM spokesperson Jibreel Adam Bilal on earlier Monday announced that Shala Prison authorities had decided to move the seven convicts to the execution chamber .

Bilal considered the move as “an immoral conduct on the part of the government,’’ warning the leaders of the National Congress Party that the execution of these men will not pass without revenge.

In a separate move, JEM-Dabajo which is signatory of a peace agreement with the government announced they successfully stopped their hanging process.

JEM-Dabajo Political Secretary Nahar Osman Nahar Monday told Sudan Tribune that intensive contacts he made with the Sudanese presidency and the government’s peace office “were crowned with the halt of the execution of the seven commanders.’’

Nahar explained that the convicts informed him about the “administrative measure” of the prison, adding that the presidency directed to stop the execution after their intervention.

Also, the liberties committee of the National Dialogue Conference had Monday suspended its session and dispatched a committee to quickly intervene to stop the executions.

The two group claim that the sentenced prisoners are part of their fighters.

JEM-Dajbajo official stressed that the seven convicts support the peace agreement they signed with Khartoum.

He further said the previously managed to secure an amnesty for 18 imprisoned rebels, as they continue their efforts for the others.

The seven convicts are: al-Sadiq Abbakar Eissa Yahya, Abul Gasim Abdallah, Abubakr Goani, Hamad Adam Hasaballah Adam, Adam al-Tom Adam Tiyyah , Abdel Raziq Da’ood Abdallah , Ibrahim Sharif Youssef Abdel Khaliq and Hassan Abdallah Mohammadain.

(ST)