Ethnic Profiling Torture And The Collapse Of Due Process Under Military Rule
A new human rights report has documented the case of Sudanese citizen Omar Mohammed Omar Daris, who was arrested upon his arrival at Port Sudan International Airport on March 15, 2024, by members affiliated with the Joint Security Cell, before later being referred to the Anti-Terrorism and Crimes Against the State Court, where he was convicted under Articles (50), (51), and (26) of the Sudanese Criminal Code of 1991.
According to information provided by the Darfur Victims Support Organization, which was based on interviews with one of the victim’s relatives and a review of statements related to the case, the arrest, investigation, and trial procedures were reportedly marred by legal and procedural violations described as serious.
The report indicated that the arrest of Omar Mohammed Omar Daris was carried out arbitrarily immediately after his arrival at Port Sudan Airport, before he was transferred to security authorities for interrogation, amid allegations of abuses accompanying the stages of detention and investigation.
The organization also stated that the information collected raises concerns regarding the extent of compliance with legal guarantees related to the rights of detainees and defendants, including defense rights and procedures associated with a fair trial.
Executive Summary
This report documents the case of Sudanese citizen Omar Mohammed Omar Daris, who was arbitrarily arrested upon his arrival at Port Sudan International Airport on March 15, 2024, by members affiliated with the Joint Security Cell, before later being referred to the Anti-Terrorism and Crimes Against the State Court and convicted under Articles (50), (51), and (26) of the Sudanese Criminal Code of 1991.
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Information obtained by the Darfur Victims Support Organization through interviews with one of the victim’s relatives and a review of statements related to the case indicates the existence of serious violations that accompanied the arrest, investigation, and trial process, including:
Arbitrary arrest
Physical and psychological torture
Targeting based on tribal affiliation
Enforced disappearance and unlawful detention
Extraction of confessions under coercion
Criminalization of anti-war opinions and positions
Absence of fundamental guarantees for a fair trial
The case also documents a broader pattern of prosecutions against civilians from western Sudan detained under Articles (50) and (51), as testimonies indicate that between 180 and 200 detainees are being held inside Port Sudan National Prison, some of whom face sentences ranging from long-term imprisonment to execution.
First: General Background
Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the country has witnessed a widespread deterioration in the human rights situation, particularly in cases linked to national security and accusations related to war and regional and tribal affiliations.
During the conflict period, increasing concerns emerged regarding the use of terrorism laws and crimes against the state legislation to prosecute civilians on the basis of tribal affiliation, political expression, or social suspicion, especially against people from the Darfur region and western Sudan. The case of Omar Mohammed Omar Daris is considered an alarming example of these patterns of violations, as the facts indicate that tribal affiliation and anti-war positions formed a central part of the motives for suspicion and accusation.
In addition, the report highlights the broader context of crimes and violations committed in the Darfur region, where civilians have been subjected to widespread abuses since the outbreak of the conflict by the Port Sudan forces and their allied militias. These violations reportedly include unlawful killings, forced displacement, arbitrary detention, sexual violence, looting of civilian property, and attacks targeting communities on ethnic and tribal grounds. T
he report emphasizes that the continued violence and impunity in Darfur have created a climate of fear and collective punishment against the population, worsening humanitarian suffering and social fragmentation. It further stresses that the ongoing targeting of Darfur residents, whether inside conflict zones or through security prosecutions in other parts of Sudan, reflects a troubling pattern of discrimination and abuse requiring urgent international attention and accountability measures.
Second: Information About the Victim
Omar Mohammed Omar Daris, born on January 1, 1991, comes from Ad Al-Fursan locality in South Darfur State and belongs to the Beni Halba tribe. He worked as an expatriate in Kuwait since 2014, managing a trucking company. He returned briefly to Sudan in 2018 before leaving again to Kuwait, and in March 2024 returned to Sudan to complete travel procedures under the U.S. lottery program.
Third: Arrest Inside Port Sudan Airport
On March 15, 2024, Omar was arrested immediately after landing at Port Sudan International Airport by six members of the Joint Security Cell and taken blindfolded to a security facility outside the airport.
Fourth: Torture and Ill-Treatment
He was subjected to severe torture including beatings, kicking, insults, and interrogation based on tribal identity. The abuse escalated after confirming his origin from South Darfur.
Fifth: Investigations and Criminalization of Anti-War Positions
Authorities later interrogated him about his tribe, political views, and phone content. Posts calling for peace were interpreted as political opposition.
Sixth: Prolonged Detention and Trial
He was held in solitary confinement, later forced into confession, and eventually sentenced to ten years in prison under Articles 50, 51, and 26.
Seventh: Concerns Regarding Judicial Independence
The case raises concerns about judicial independence and the growing influence of security agencies over judicial proceedings under wartime conditions.
Eighth: Broader Pattern of Detentions
Reports indicate 180–200 detainees from western Sudan are held under similar charges, facing long-term imprisonment and capital sentences.
Ninth: International Legal Framework
The case may constitute violations of international legal standards, including prohibitions on arbitrary detention, torture, discrimination, and the right to a fair and independent trial.
Tenth: Recommendations
Immediate release or fair retrial
Independent investigation into torture allegations
Access for human rights organizations
End to ethnic and tribal profiling
Judicial transparency and accountability
Conclusion
The case of Omar Mohammed Omar Daris reflects a profound breakdown of justice in Sudan, where identity and political expression have become grounds for arrest, torture, and prosecution, deepening divisions and undermining the rule of law.
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