Sudan court sentences Darfuri students to fine, flogging

On Monday Omdurman District Court handed-down a sentence of 25 lashes sentence against two students from Darfur accused of public nuisance and use of force against a public official.

Defence lawyer Abdu Ishag told Radio Dabanga that three students at the Faculty of Education of the University of Khartoum were arrested in Omdurman on September 26,”without any reason”. A complaint was filed against them at Wad Nubawi police department where they were released on bail.

He said that on Monday the complaint file was referred to Omdurman north court, where the court sentenced Mohamed Abakar Hammad to a fine of SDG 300 ($45) and a month's imprisonment. Osman Hassan El Tom and Fathi Mahmoud Suleiman will receive 25 lashes each.

Darfur Bar Association

In a statement, the Darfur Bar Association has criticised the sentences and described them as unfair. “The acts attributed to the sentenced students are related to peaceful expression which is guaranteed by the Constitution and the law”.

It added that these trials which target the Darfuri students at universities are overwhelming the students' hearts with hatred and weakening national cohesion.

The Attorney General requested the files of nine of the Darfuri students of Bakht El Rida University who have been held in custody since May 13, the date of the arrest of the nine for the murder of two policemen during the famous incidents of the university and the subsequent repercussions that led to the mass resignations of the Darfuri students from the university.

On Sunday, Lawyer Abdu Ishag told Radio Dabanga that the Attorney General's request of the file came at the request filed by Darfur Bar Association on September 30, demanding that the file to be referred from El Duwaim to Khartoum.

He said that the Bar Association justified in its application submitted for the lack of impartiality of the police and prosecution against the accused, in addition to inciting public opinion against the accused as armed movements which will affect the progress of proceedings and justice.

The lawyer also pointed out that the defendants were harmed by the fact that they had remained in custody without being brought to trial since May 13.

He said that the Attorney-General brought the file from El Duwaim and is now under consideration to decide on the application submitted by the Bar Association.