Arrest of Mustafa Abdul Gadir
SVTG has received confirmation that Mustafa Abdel Gadir was arrested today, Tuesday 5 June at 2:30pm. Mr Gadir, 61, is the principal defence lawyer for the NDA members currently awaiting trial.The NDA men were first arrested on 6 December 2000, following a meeting with an American Diplomat in Khartoum. Security forces alleged that the NDA members were part of a conspiracy planning to incite a popular uprising, disrupt national security and support the rebel movement with American logistical support. An appeal was lodged which was rejected and the men were rearrested on Thursday 10 May and Friday 11 May, 2001.
SVTG Press Release
Tuesday 5 June 2001
Their trial has been scheduled to begin Monday 11th and Thursday 14th June, 2001. Mr Gadir was arrested from his office in Khartoum. Security officers searched his office and confiscated documents some of them belonging to his
clients. His whereabouts is currently unknown to his family and colleagues. Mr Gadir is the head of the group of lawyers defending the NDA members. He is a well-known human rights defender and has defended many prisoners of conscience and victims of human rights violations free of charge. Mr Gadir has been subject to continual harassment by the government, his office has
been subjected to continual surveillance and he perviousley has been asked to report daily to security offices. He has been arrested three times
before, and has spent over two years in prisons.
SVTG considers his arrest to be part of the oppression by the government of human rights defenders and their activities in uncovering human rights abuses, and an infringement of the right to fair legal trial. SVTG calls upon the Sudanese government to :
i. Guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Mustafa Abdel
Gadir.
ii. Put an end to the harassment of human rights defenders by security
forces;
iii. Ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards.
SVTG is an independent non-governmental human rights organisation, for
further details on this press release or any other information please
contact;
The Sudanese Victims of Torture Group
Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Rd
London NW6 5LF
UK
Tel: +44-207 6258055
Email: [email protected]