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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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18 May 2010
URGENT ALERT: Sudan – Dr Al Turabi arrested and detained in solitary confinement
Contents
1. Summary
2. Background
3. Action required
4. Sample letter
1. Summary
On Saturday 15 May 2010 at midnight, security forces arrested Dr. Hassan al-Turabi, leader of the opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP). Thirty soldiers in three armed vehicles arrived at his place of residence and carried out the arrest with no formal charges or warrant.
He was taken to an unknown place and was sent to Kober Prison in Northern Khartoum and placed in solitary confinement without being sent to the prosecution.
His family was only able to visit him on the 17th of May; however his lawyer wasn’t able to see him so charges are still unknown. The 78 years-old detainee stressed that his prison conditions are inadequate, the temperature is high (44c) and he suffers from high blood pressure. Solitary confinement has resulted in a further deterioration to his health.
2. Background
Al Turabi was arrested under Emergency Law with no formal charges. This is the fifth time al Turabi has been arrested within the past nine years. It is believed that the motivation behind his arrests have been to keep him out of the political arena.
Al Turabi is known for being a prominent member of the opposition and for criticizing the ruling party (Presidents National Congress) by accusing them of rigging the elections. Last month Sudan held elections where President Omar al Bashir of the President’s National Congress won 86% of the votes.
Security forces confiscated all publications and closed down the premises of Ra’y al Shab which is owned by al Turabi’s Popular Congress Party. In addition, four senior journalists including the deputy Chief Editor were arrested.
IHRC warns of the use of Emergency Law against political opponents and calls on the Sudanese government to respect international law and ensure that al Turabi receives a fair trial. IHRC also urges that he be removed from solitary confinement so that his prison conditions meet acceptable standards and will not be detrimental to his health.
3. Action required
Write to the Sudanese ambassador in your locality to ensure that Dr Al Turabi receives a fair trial and is removed from solitary confinement.
You may find the Sudanese ambassador in your locality by visiting the following website: VISAHQ.COM.
4. Sample letter
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A sample letter is given below for your convenience. Please note that model letters can be sent directly or adjusted as necessary to include further details. If you receive a reply to the letter you send, we request you to send a copy of the letter you sent and the reply you received to IHRC. This is very important as it helps IHRC to monitor the situation with regards to our campaigns and to improve upon the current model letters. It is preferable that letters be sent via post, or otherwise by fax and/or email.
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(UK campaigners can write using the address supplied below, fax: +44-20-7-839-7560 or email: admin@sudanembassy.co.uk)
[Your name]
[Your address]
H.E.Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig
3 Cleveland Row, St. James
SW1A 1DD
London
United Kingdom
[Date]
H.E.Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig,
Re: Dr Al Turabi arrested and detained in solitary confinement
I am deeply concerned for the welfare of Dr Hassan al Turabi.
On Saturday 15 May 2010 at midnight, security forces arrested Dr. Hassan al-Turabi, leader of the opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP). Thirty soldiers in three armed vehicles arrived at his place of residence and carried out the arrest with no formal charges or warrant.
His family was only able to visit him on the 17th of May; however, his lawyer wasn’t able to see him so charges are still unknown. The 78 years-old detainee stressed that his prison conditions are inadequate, the temperature is high (44c) and he suffers from high blood pressure. Solitary confinement has resulted in a further deterioration to his health.
Security forces confiscated all publications and closed down the premises of Ra’y al Shab which is owned by al Turabi’s Popular Congress Party. In addition, four senior journalists including the deputy Chief Editor were arrested.
Sudan needs to respect international law and ensure that Dr Al Turabi receives a fair trial. Considering Dr Al Turabi’s poor health, he should be removed from solitary confinement so that his prison conditions meet acceptable standards and will not be detrimental to his health
I look forward to your reply regarding this urgent matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your name]
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“And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and of the weak among the men and the women and the children, (of) those who say: Our Lord! Cause us to go forth from this town, whose people are oppressors, and give us from Thee a guardian and give us from Thee a helper.”
Holy Qur’an: Chapter 4, Verse 75
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