Sudan Arrests Pro-Democracy Figures

Washington

Following Sudan’s arrest of democracy activists Dr. Jalal Mustafa and Dr. Sandra Farouk Kadouda, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“The arrests of these activists demonstrates how truly vulnerable President Bashir feels after Sudan’s seriously flawed elections,” said Jenai Cox, program manager for Africa. “Through their election boycott campaign and advocacy, the opposition and civil society were remarkably successful in mobilizing citizen frustration with the current political and economic situation in Sudan. The government is continuing its crackdown on any individual or organization seen as a threat to its hold on power.” 

Background:
On April 20, National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) forces raided and illegally searched the home of Dr. Sandra Farouk Kadouda, where they arrested Dr. Jalal Mustafa, member of the committee for solidarity with the families of martyrs and political prisoners. This raid followed the earlier disappearance of Kadouda, who is believed to have been kidnapped by security forces on the eve of elections. Three days later after her disappearance, Kadouda was found badly beaten on a street in Khartoum. On April 22, Kadouda was arrested and charged with “defamation of the NISS,” for alleging the security apparatus was responsible for her disappearance. She is currently out on bail. At least 15 activists were arrested by NISS officers in the lead up elections.

Sudan is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2015, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2014,  and Not Free in Freedom on the Net 2014.