AKEL demands the release of the political prisoners in Sudan

Nicosia, 28/12/2016

Dear Comrades,

From AKEL we have been following your intensifying struggle against the dictatorship in Sudan; the increasing mobilization of the masses, the organization of strikes in various sectors demanding proper public services particularly in the fields of health and education, and calls for civil disobedience aiming to bring about a national democratic civil alternative. We fully support your struggle and take this opportunity to thank you for the flow of information and reiterate our solidarity.

AKEL strongly condemns the ongoing detentions of political leaders, members of the Political Bureau and militants of the Sudanese Communist Party, as well as of other opposition activists, on the pretext of participation in opposition activities.  This is out of the context of rule of law and democratic principles.

We particularly denounce the severe detention conditions of the political prisoners, including individuals who are elderly and sick.  The prohibition of family visits and access to legal assistance and medical care constitute a flagrant violation of international human rights standards governing the treatment of prisoners.

AKEL joins its voice to the demand for the release of the forty two political leaders and activists of the SCP who still languish in the jails of Sudan. Sudan should respect and implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of which it is a part.

AKEL will examine means to use the various fora where it is represented in order to demand from the Sudanese authorities an end of these practices and release of all political prisoners.

Comradely yours,

International Relations Bureau of the Central Committee of AKEL