Panafrican News Agency

UN concerned over arrest of former government officials in Sudan

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday expressed concern over the arrest of a Sudanese former cabinet minister and two other high profile officials, calling for full respect of their human rights.

UN Expert on Human Rights in Sudan, Adama Dieng, issued a statement saying he had "followed with concern" news of the arrest and detention of former Cabinet Affair Minister Khalid Omer Yousif and two other prominent members of the Forces for Freedom and Change.

“I call for respect of their due process and fair trial rights,” Adama, the UN expert who himself was not allowed to visit the Sudan last month, said in his statement.

In January, the Sudanese government chose not to approve a visit by the expert in his first mission to Sudan which was due to take place from 22 to 27 January 2022. The visit was postponed upon the request of the Sudanese authorities.

However, aware that the three had been arrested under Sudan’s criminal law Article 177/2 “criminal breach of trust” or dishonesty, the UN official said he expected the government to demonstrate respect for the rule of law and  human rights standards.

He said he was aware they could not be released on bail as per the stipulation of the Sudanese criminal law until the case was referred to trial.

-0-PANA MO/RA 11Feb2022