Mr. President,
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in the framework of their joint programme, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, express their deepest concern about several acts of judicial harassment against two human rights defenders.
Arbitrary detention of Mr. Charles Locker
According to the information received from the Sudan Organisation Against Torture (SOAT), on July 4, 2006, Mr. Charles Locker, Executive Director of Manna Sudan, a non-governmental organisation working on peace building, human rights awareness and education, in particular through the promotion of dialogue with local communities in Southern Sudan, was arrested by police officers, at his home, in Ikotos, without any official motive.
A few hours before, police officers had visited the premises of Manna Sudan in Ikotos, Eastern Equatoria, looking for Mr. Locker. As the latter was not present, the officers arrested several staff members for several hours, and confiscated several assets of the organisation, including a vehicle.
On July 6, 2006, Mr. Locker was reportedly transferred to Torit, where he would be detained under house arrest, without any official charge.
These events followed the publication on the Internet of several articles, written by Mr. Locker, criticising the involvement of the Eastern Equatoria governor and other local authorities in tribal clashes.
Harassment and interrogation of Dr. Nagib Nagm Eldine
According to the information received, on July 9, 2006, Dr. Nagib Ngam Eldine, Director of the Amel Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture, a partner of SOAT, was arrested by three officers from the National Security Bureau (NSB) and taken to the office of the Attorney for Crimes against the State, in Khartoum, where he was detained during several hours.
Dr. Nagib was then questioned by a police officer about reports issued by SOAT on the summary trials of hundreds of persons arrested during the widespread riots which took place in Sudan, following the death of the First Vice President in a helicopter crash on August 1, 2005. Dr. Nagib was also accused by the security officers of providing the information to SOAT.
Dr. Nagib was released on bail nine hours later and notified that an investigation had been initiated against him for “publication of false news” (article 66 of the 1991 Sudanese Penal Code), “public nuisance”(article 77), “omission to produce document or deliver statement” (article 99), “defamation” (article 159), and under the provisions of the 1999 Press and Printed Materials Act, amended in 2002 and 2004.
Mr. President,
The Observatory expresses its deepest concern regarding these acts of reprisals and harassment against Mr. Charles Locker and Mr. Nagib Ngam Eldine, and urges the Government of the Republic of Sudan to put an immediate end to it as well as against all human rights defenders in Sudan, and to guarantee their physical and psychological integrity as well as the ones of their relatives.
The Observatory also urges the Sudanese authorities to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Charles Locker immediately in the absence of any valid charges against him, or in the case of valid charges against him, bring him before an impartial tribunal without delay and guarantee procedural rights at all times, ensuring, among others, that he has access to legal advice.
Besides, the Observatory calls upon the authorities of the Republic of Sudan to conform with the provisions of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 9, 1998, in particular article 1, which states that “everyone has the right, individually or collectively, to promote the protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels”, as well as article 12.2, which provides that “the State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually or in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration”.
More generally, the Observatory urge the authorities to guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other international or regional human rights instruments ratified by the Republic of Sudan.
In the hope that you will take these considerations and requests into account,
We remain,
Sidiki KABA Eric SOTTAS
FIDH President OMCT Director