The trial of lawyer Montaser Abdallah began in Port Sudan this week, amid allegations he faced torture in detention. Human rights groups launched a campaign for the release of 30 miners who were “arbitrarily detained” since April 2023 and are set to be tried in Northern State.
The trial of lawyer Montaser Abdallah commenced in Port Sudan on Monday, after eight months in detention. Abdallah is known for being part of the defence team for several civil society figures, including former prime minister Abdalla Hamdok.
In separate statements, the Coordination of Professionals and Trade Unions, the Democratic Lawyers Alliance, the National Umma Party (NUP), the Sudanese Congress Party (SCP), and the Beja Congress condemned Abdallah’s prolonged detention. They allege he has endured “serious violations” including physical and psychological torture, and that he was “coerced into waiving his legal immunity” under duress.
The groups demanded Abdallah’s immediate release, an independent investigation into the alleged abuses, and a halt to what they describe as a “politically motivated and malicious” trial.
Miners tried after two years
The Sudanese Group for Defending Rights and Freedoms has launched a campaign demanding legal support for more than 30 artisanal miners detained in Northern State and River Nile state since 2023. In a statement received by Radio Dabanga yesterday, the group said that authorities recently filed criminal charges against the detained miners, pending a trial in Merowe, Northern State.
