Sudan detectives charged after suspect’s ‘death by torture’ in police custody

Five Sudanese detectives have been charged with murder after a man was allegedly tortured to death in police custody in Omdurman two weeks ago. The Darfur Bar Association has requested that Sudan’s Attorney General supervise the case personally.

The indictments were confirmed in a police circular, which states that the detectives have been charged under article 130 of the Criminal Code.

It is alleged that 40-year-old Mohamed Siddig was tortured to death at the Doha Police station in Omdurman on 11 October. He was arrested two days earlier with another six suspects in connection with the theft of jewellery and hard currency.

The police circular states that the accused was transferred to the police hospital where he was pronounced dead. It also confirmed that the five detectives are being held “in administrative detention” in Omdurman.

Darfur Bar Association

The Darfur Bar Association (DBA) confirms that the police arrested Mohamed Siddig from his shop in Sitta Market in El Haj Yousuf in Khartoum North without due process, and they did not allow his lawyer or family to visit him.

In a statement, the DBA said it will initiate legal procedures on behalf of the family on the deceased against all police officers involved and bring them to justice.

On Tuesday, the Darfur lawyers wrote to Sudan’s Attorney General, Tajelsir El Hibir, requesting that he exercise his powers as a prosecutor and supervise this investigation himself.