Mohamed Izzeldin prosecuted on charges carrying the death penalty after more than one year of arbitrary detention

On 27 July 2026, Sudanese lawyer and human rights defender Mohamed Izzeldin appeared before the Port Sudan Criminal Court for the first hearing of a criminal case against him, following more than a year of arbitrary detention. He faces charges of “crimes against the State and war-related crimes” under the Sudanese Criminal Code of 1991, which carry the death penalty. The proceedings are expected to continue with a second court session scheduled for 18 August 2026.

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Mohamed Izzeldin Abdelrahim Mohamed Salih is a lawyer and human rights defender who works to promote accountability, access to justice, and protect civilians affected by the war in Sudan. His primary focus is on defending the rights of war victims, particularly women and children. He provides legal representation and expert advice in the areas of international human rights and humanitarian law, represents clients before both national and international courts, and contributes to human rights reporting at various levels. Furthermore, Mohamed Izzeldin engages in public awareness initiatives on legal rights and transitional justice. He is a member of the Emergency Lawyers network and the Democratic Lawyers Alliance, where he collaborates with other legal professionals to document human rights violations, provide legal assistance to victims of abuses, and advocate for accountability for violations committed during the ongoing war in Sudan.

On 10 May 2025, Mohamed Izzeldin was detained in the Grand Market area of Port Sudan by five armed members of the Special Operations Forces, affiliated with the Military Intelligence. These officers were dressed in civilian clothing and reportedly did not present an arrest warrant or inform the defender of the reasons for his detention. Following his detention, Mohamed Izzeldin was allegedly subjected to torture and other ill-treatment during interrogation. He was beaten on the back, causing a spinal disc injury, subjected to electric shocks, and faced insults and threats related to his human rights work.

For more than a year following his detention, Mohamed Izzeldin remained in detention without being formally charged or brought before an independent judicial authority. During this period, he was denied official access to his family and legal counsel, and was held in degrading conditions, including sleep deprivation and inadequate medical care. Mohamed Izzeldin's health has reportedly deteriorated significantly during detention. While in custody, he contracted dengue fever but did not receive adequate medical treatment and suffers from diabetes, exacerbated by poor nutrition and insufficient healthcare.

During the court hearing on 27 July 2026, Mohamed Izzeldin was informed of the allegations against him, the identity of the complainant authority, and the legal provisions forming the basis of the prosecution, namely the Sudanese Criminal Code of 1991. He faces charges of “crimes against the State and war-related crimes”, similar to those brought against fellow lawyer and human rights defender Abubakr Mansour, which also carry the death penalty upon conviction.

Front Line Defenders expresses serious concern for Mohamed Izzeldin, who has been in arbitrary detention without a charge for over a year. The recent criminal proceeding against him, which could lead to the imposition of the death penalty, appears to serve the purpose of legitimising his prolonged detention and criminalising his peaceful human rights work.

The organisation is particularly alarmed by the serious due process violations surrounding the case, including prolonged arbitrary detention, allegations of torture and ill-treatment, denial of access to legal counsel, and inadequate medical care. Front Line Defenders believes that the detention and prosecution of Mohamed Izzeldin relate directly to his peaceful and legitimate work documenting human rights violations and supporting victims in Sudan.

Furthermore, the organisation fears that the case of Mohamed Izzeldin reflects a larger pattern of judicial harassment targeting members of the Emergency Lawyers Network and other human rights defenders in Sudan.

Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in Sudan to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release Mohamed Izzeldin Abdelrahim Mohamed Salih and drop all charges brought against him related to these activities;
2. Until his release, ensure that Mohamed Izzeldin Abdelrahim Mohamed Salih has immediate and regular access to lawyers of his choosing, his family, and adequate specialised medical care, including treatment for diabetes and the injuries allegedly sustained as a result of torture;
3. Conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial and independent investigation into the allegations that Mohamed Izzeldin Abdelrahim Mohamed Salih was subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. Ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with international standards, and ensure that any evidence obtained through torture is excluded from judicial proceedings;
4. Ensure that any proceedings against Mohamed Izzeldin Abdelrahim Mohamed Salih fully comply with international fair trial standards and that he is not subjected to the death penalty;
5. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Sudan are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, arbitrary arrest and detain, torture, judicial harassment or any other restrictions.