SOAT- Death by Torture in Omdurman
SOAT
On 10 September 2004, Shamseldin Idries Al-amin, 30yrs old, from Nuba mountains, an accountant and member of the Popular National Congress (PNC) Party died apparently from torture whilst in National Security Agency (NSA) custody.
Mr. Shamseldin was arrested on 10 September 2004 at 10.00am along with Abdelkariem Mohamed Yahia, also a political activist and a member of the PNC. The men were arrested in Al-khilaila village, north of Omdurman and taken to the political section of the NSA offices in Khartoum North where they were detained. According to eyewitness accounts, the men were severely tortured whilst in NSA custody.
On the same night as the arrest, police officers arrived at Mr. Shamseldin home and requested that Mr. Shamseldin father accompany them to the police station where they informed him that Mr. Shamseldin had died of food poisoning whilst been detained by the NSA. The NSA claim that Mr. Shamseldin fell ill from food poisoning; he was then transferred to Khartoum hospital for medical treatment where he subsequently died.
The family went to Khartoum hospital to retrieve Shamseldin body. They found him in the Forensics Department where he had already undergone an autopsy. The family were not showed the autopsy report however the family found that Shamseldin had broken arms and other injuries consistent with torture. The family took Shamseldin body and buried him the next morning on 11 September 2004 at Ombadah.
Shamseldin relatives have attempted to find out the truth of what happened to their son. The authorities maintain that Shamseldin died from food poisoning. On 26 September 2004, Shamseldin relatives began legal proceedings into the death of Shamseldien.
According to Shamseldin family members, the authorities have yet to open an investigation into his death. Mr. Abdelkariem Mohamed Yahia remains in detention at NSA offices in Khartoum North.
Background
The targeting and widespread recourse to torture of civilians with impunity by government security apparatus is systematic. SOAT condemns the unlawful killing of Shamseldin Idries Al-amin and the arrest and torture of Abdelkariem Mohamed Yahia is calling on the Government of Sudan (GoS) to take steps to combat torture. The GoS must hold Shamseldin torturers accountable to demonstrate that it is committed to the rule of law and is working towards ending the culture of impunity as stated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. This continuing pattern of horrific abuse warrants a forceful response and we are calling on the GoS to firmly condemn the death of Shamseldin. SOAT calls upon the GoS to undertake a thorough and independent investigation into his death and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
SOAT urges the Government of Sudan to:
i. To fully investigate the death of Shamseldin Idries Al-amin and to bring the perpetrators to justice
ii. Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Abdelkariem Mohamed Yahia.
iii. To allow Abdelkariem Mohamed Yahia an immediate and unrestricted access to his family and any medical treatment that he may require
iv. Order the immediately release of Abdelkariem Mohamed Yahia in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
v. Ensure that all Abdelkariem Mohamed Yahia has access to legal advice
vi. Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.