Magdi Saleim, a well known lawyer in Wad-Madani was arrested on Saturday the 8th of December. He was taken from his home at 1:00 AM by six members of the Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), who came with a pickup to arrest him.

It is believed that Magdi Saleim was arrested because of his support and defence of students from Darfur at Al-Gezira University. He is being held without charge or access to his family and lawyer which puts him at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Mohammed Zein Osman, also a lawyer from Wad-Madani, was arrested on Sunday 9th of December in relation to his support and defence of Darfuri students at Al-Gezira University.

Sudan Social development Organisation (SUDO UK) calls on the authorities to:

- Immediately and unconditionally release human rights defenders Magdi Saleim and Mohammed Zien Osman;
- Ensure that both lawyers are not tortured or ill-treated and allow them immediate access to their families and lawyers.
- Guarantee that human rights defenders in Sudan can undertake their legitimate activities without harassment.