Sudanese human rights defender Dr Mudawi freed, Aug 04

Front Line is delighted to report that all the charges against the Sudanese human rights defender Dr Mudawi were dropped following the last hearing of his trial on 7 August 2004. The Sudanese Minister of Justice withdrew the case by using article 58 of the Sudan Penal Code Procedures on 9 August 2004. Dr Mudawi is no longer in custody.

Human rights activist and Director of the Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO), Dr Mudawi Ibrahim Adam was arrested at his home in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, on 28 December 2003. He was first held under Article 31 of the National Security Forces Act in the National Security Centre and in the political section of Kober prison.

Dr Mudawi went on hunger strike demanding to be released or charged in February 2004, and ended the hunger strike after two days, when he was brought before the Attorney General. On 8 February he was charged with offences against the state under Articles 50, 51 and 56 of the Penal Code, which carry the death penalty and do not allow release on bail. He was also charged with provoking hatred against or among sects under Articles 63 and 64.

SUDO is a voluntary organisation created to promote sustainable development and human rights, has organized a number of workshops on subjects connected with human rights. It is also engaged in humanitarian activities and has recently provided non-food items to internally displaced people in Darfur, western Sudan. Dr Mudawi recently visited Darfur and SUDO is one of the very few national organisations that has actively worked on humanitarian and human rights issues in the region.

Dr. Mudawi thanked all those that supported and campaigned for his release. “Thanks for the support you gave me and all the needy people. I have been inspired by the support you and all human rights defenders gave. It is your support and solidarity that kept my high spirit and determination to keep on the struggle for the freedom and rights of my people and the humans. Your Solidarity and support explicitly strengthened my belonging to the community of good spirited people. Thanks again and I will remain honest, faithful and determined as an impartial human rights defender as long as I existed in this life. Keep up and cheer up, we will win a prosperous world.”