SUDAN GOVERNMENT UNLAWFULLY ARREST MARYAM AL-MAHDI

The International Association International Gulf Organization (iaIGO) strongly condemns the unlawful arrest and detention of Dr. Maryam al-Mahdi the daughter of Sudan’s main opposition leader Sadiq al-Mahdi.

 The deputy leader of Sudan’s main opposition Umma Party (UP), Dr. Maryam al-Mahdi, was recently arrested at the Khartoum airport as she returned from a Paris conference that saw signing of an anti-government alliance with the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF). The aim of the agreement at the Paris summit is to unify all Sudanese opposition forces to engage in a national peace process with the ruling government and to work together for democratic reforms.

 According to local sources, Dr. Maryam was arrested by Sudan security forces at the airport, detained at the Political Security Service department in Khartoum North and later transferred to the federal Women’s Prison in Omdurman.

 It is uncertain how long she will be held in police custody, but iaIGO believes her arbitrary arrest and detention by the government is against international human rights norms. iaIGO also expresses concern about her welfare and believes she is probably being subjected to unjust treatment by her detainees.

 In May this year, Sadiq al-Mahdi, the leader of the Umma Party was also detained by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and spent one month in custody. He was been accused of insulting state security forces over a surge of violence and rape in the Darfur region, charges that could lead to death penalty. At the Paris meeting, Sadiq al-Mahdi signed a deal with SRF chairman Malik Agar to work together to solve Sudan’s crises, although Umma supports non-violent change.

 The continuous unlawful arrest and detention of opposition leaders by the Sudanese government is proof of their unwillingness to enter a deal with the opposition to end the armed conflict in the country that have killed at least 300,000 civilians and have displaced more than 2 million people.

 iaIGO therefore urges the Khartoum government to respect her rights in accordance with international legislation concerning the protection of detainees. Dr. Maryam should be offered a fair and honest trial if she is found guilty of charges levied against her. iaIGO also calls on all parties involved, both the Sudanese government and opposition leaders to resume peace talks and agree on effective solutions that end the increasing violence in the Darfur region and establish continuous peace in the country

International Association International Gulf Organization (iaIGO)