SOAT- Arrest and Detention of a Teacher in Southern Blue Nile
SOAT
On 14 January 2005, military intelligence in Al-damazin city, Southern Blue Nile arrested Abdelgaleel Abu-amina, a teacher at an Army Primary School in Al- damazin. Mr. Abu-amina is also a Sergeant in the Sudanese army and a member of the ruling party, the National Congress.
Mr. Abu-amina was arrested following his return from a music festival at Dandaro village, 80 Km, South West of Damazin, which was organised by the Sudan People Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M). The festival was in celebration of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
There has been no reason given for his arrest, however SOAT believes that Mr. Abu-amina was arrested because of his participation in the festival. Mr. Abu-amina is currently in detention at Al- damazin, in the Blue Nile Province.
SOAT expresses fears for Abdelgaleel Abu-amina and calls upon the government of Sudan (GoS) to give assurances that he will not be tortured or ill-treated.
Background
Dandaro village although it is in Kormok province has been under the control of the Sudan People Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) since 1997 whereas Kormok is under the control of the government. The arrest and detention of Mr. Abu-amina follows the signing of the historic peace agreement in Naivasha between the GoS and the SPLM/A. Arrests and detention of personnel in leaving SPLA/M controlled areas to government controlled areas is a deeply concerning.
SOAT urges Khartoum not to dissipate the good will and momentum generated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and to abide by its commitments under the agreement and to international human rights laws.
SOAT condemns the arbitrary arrest of Abdelgaleel Abu-amina and urges the Government of Sudan to:
i. Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Abu-amina.
ii. To abide by its agreements as enshrined in the Agreement On Permanent Ceasefire And Security Arrangements Implementation Modalities during the Pre-Interim and Interim Periods
iii. Order the immediate release of Mr. Abu-amina 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.
iv. Ensure that Mr. Abu-amina have access to legal advice
v. 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.
vi. The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following
addresses: