Justice under torture? Report raises questions over Omar Daris trial and detention in Sudan

A human rights organisation has raised concerns over the arrest, detention and trial of Sudanese national Omar Mohammed Omar Daris, who was convicted by Sudan’s Anti-Terrorism and Crimes Against the State Court under provisions of the 1991 Criminal Code.

In a report released by the Darfur Victims Support Organisation, the group noted that Daris was allegedly subjected to arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and procedural violations following his arrest at Port Sudan International Airport on March 15, 2024.

The organisation said its findings were based on interviews with one of Daris’ relatives and a review of documents and statements linked to the case.

According to the report, Daris was arrested shortly after arriving at the airport by individuals the organisation identified as members affiliated with the Joint Security Cell before later being transferred for interrogation.

The rights group further said that the investigation and trial process raised concerns over compliance with fair trial standards, including access to legal protections and safeguards for detainees.

The report also claimed that Daris was questioned about his tribal background, political views and social media activity and alleged that some evidence used in court may have been obtained under coercive circumstances.

The organisation additionally expressed concern about what it described as a broader pattern of prosecutions targeting civilians from western Sudan under state security and anti-terrorism laws.

It said that between 180 and 200 detainees from the region are being held at Port Sudan National Prison facing similar charges, although those claims could not be independently verified.

The report called for an independent investigation into the allegations, greater judicial transparency and access for international human rights organisations. Sudanese authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the report at the time of publication.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

In addition, the report highlights the broader context of crimes and violations committed in Darfur, where civilians have been subjected to widespread abuses since the outbreak of the conflict by the Port Sudan forces and allied militias. It also stresses that the continued targeting of Darfurians, both within conflict zones and through security operations in other parts of Sudan, reflects a disturbing pattern of discrimination and violations that requires urgent international attention and accountability measures. In response to these grave findings, human rights advocates are urgently calling for the immediate release of Daris or the provision of a fair retrial that strictly adheres to international legal standards. The organisation has also demanded an independent, transparent investigation into the torture allegations; unhindered access to detention centers for human rights monitors, and a decisive end to ethnic profiling by state security apparatuses. The report concludes that the weaponisation of the justice system against marginalised communities not only deepens social divisions but also represents a profound breakdown of the rule of law in Sudan.