Sudan: Church shootings and arrests must be investigated
ainews
International *
26 April 2001
AFR 54/009/2001
71/01
Amnesty International today took note of the presidential decree
pardoning 47 people arrested over last Easter and called for an
impartial and independent investigation into the shootings,
beatings and arrests by the Sudanese riot police on April 11,
2001.
"Amnesty International is concerned that at least nine
people, including children, were flogged as punishment, after
being convicted with 47 others for causing 'public disturbance'
in an unfair and summary trial."
On 11 April, Christians gathered at All Saints Cathedral
in Khartoum for prayers and to discuss the cancellation of a
religious rally organized by church authorities on 10 April. Some
students, angry at the cancellation, reportedly went outside the
church with stones. When the riot police intervened, those
outside the church ran inside. According to witnesses, police
threw teargas inside the church making it difficult for people to
breathe, and fired bullets at the crowd injuring many. Police
then entered the church and indiscriminately arrested at least 56
people.
One person, Edward Jemi, lost a hand from bullet wounds.
At least two others were hit by bullets. It is reported that
some, including women, were beaten and that one person was
stabbed by the riot police.
The 56 people arrested were brought the next day to a
criminal court and charged with causing public disturbance.The
judge refused to allow their lawyer to defend them. The trial
lasted less than an hour. Six women and three children were
sentenced to 15 and 20 lashes respectively and were flogged on 12
April and then released. The remaining 47 were sentenced to 20
lashes each and from seven to 20 days in prison.
Other people present in the cathedral, including Church
officials and a journalist, Alfred Taban, were also arrested.
They were later released, apart from Alfred Taban, who was held
incommunicado without charge until he was released on 17 April
without explanation.
"The government should conduct an impartial and
independent investigation into the incident", Amnesty
International said."And those responsible for unlawful shootings
should be brought promptly to justice. All people detained by
the police should be given the opportunity of fair trial
including being defended by a lawyer of their choice."
The human rights organization further urged the Sudanese
government to take immediate action to ensure that its security
forces comply with international standards, especially the UN
Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials, thereby protecting the life and safety of
civilians.
The organization is also calling on the Sudanese
authorities to refrain from inflicting torture such as flogging
as punishment, especially for children. The Sudanese authorities
should guarantee the right to free assembly and freedom of
religious belief and practice.
Background
Church authorities in Khartoum had planned events for
Easter and had invited a German evangelist to address a rally on
10 April in Green Square in central Khartoum, which they had
booked. After threats by Islamic groups to disrupt the
celebrations, the Sudanese authorities ordered the church
authorities on 9 April to move the event to Haj Yusif in the
outskirts of Khartoum. Because of the short notice, people turned
up on 10 April in Green Square. Clashes ensued with the police.
It is alleged that the police threw tear gas and shot at people.
At least 50 people were arrested and later released. Clashes were
also reported on the same day in Haj Yusif. Following these
incidents, the church authorities decided to cancel the event and
were discussing their decision with the Christian community the
day after in All Saints Cathedral, when they were disrupted by
the police.
The use of excessive force by the Sudanese security
forces has been reported several times in the past, as well as
complaints by the Christian community of harassment and
restriction of their right to freedom of religion.
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