Detained eastern Sudan activist on hunger strike against poor treatment

An activist in El Gedaref in eastern Sudan who has been detained multiple times started a hunger strike because he is not allowed by the security apparatus to see a doctor.

Activist Jaafar Khidir was held in El Gedaref  on Tuesday. His family said in a statement that members of the security apparatus apprehended him and took him to one of its detention offices in the city. “They left him sitting in his weelchair for hours, which resulted in a severe pain in his spine,” the relatives said.

The activist and founder of the Sunrise Cultural Centre in El Gedaref has been detained more than once. His relatives do not know the reason for his detention on Tuesday.

Because of his poor health, not being allowed to see a doctor, and not being provided a bathroom for people with special needs, Khidir started a hunger strike.

The family demanded in their statement that the security service release him immediately. They will hold them responsible in the case of any harm.