Sudanese appeal court orders to release opposition Umma deputy leader

March 13, 2019 (KHARTOUM) – An appeals court on Wednesday ordered to release the deputy head of the opposition National Umma Party (NUP) who was detained for participating in a demonstration on 10 March.

Mariam al-Mahdi had been sentenced by an emergency court to one week in prison and fined 2000 Sudanese pounds (about $30) and to serve two more weeks if she failed to pay the fine.

However, a group of lawyers appealed to the Court of Appeal which on Wednesday ordered the cancellation of the sentence and the release of the opposition leader.

On Tuesday, an appeals court in the Sudanese capital suspended the flogging sentences and ordered to release nine female protesters after participating in protests last week.

Rights activists are accusing the Sudanese authorities of using the courts as a toll quell the peaceful protests after been internationally condemned for the excessive use of violence.

Sudanese officials say the state of emergency was declared to redress the economic situation in the country but observers agree that it is mainly used against the demonstrations.

(ST)