SUDAN: URGENT ACTION EIGHT GIRLS FREE, ONE OTHER RISKS FLOGGING

 Ferdous Al Toum was sentenced to be flogged 20 lashes and a fine. She has appealed this sentence. Rehab Omer Kakoum was sentenced to a heavy fine and has appealed this. Trials against eight of the 10 female Christian students charged with “indecent dress” have concluded.

Cases against the 10 Christian girls charged with “indecent dress” under Article 152 of the 1991 Penal Code of Sudan, were heard in court between July and August 2015. While cases against eight of the girls have concluded with either a not guilty verdict or a fine being imposed, the other two girls have appealed their sentences. Ferdous Al Toum was sentenced to 20 lashes and a fine of 500 Sudanese pounds (SDG) on 16 August. Rehab Omer Kakoum was sentenced on 14 July under Article 152 of the Penal Code to a fine of 500 SDG. Both girls have filed appeals through their lawyers, but no date has yet been given for the appeal trials. Hala Ibrahim (15 years old) was found not guilty on 12 August. Ishraga James, Mawaheb Suleiman and Inas Mohammed were also declared innocent on 12 August. Nasra Omer, Wigdan Abdalla and Uthan Omer were convicted on 12 August and sentenced to pay a fine of 50 Sudanese pounds (SDG) each. Seema Ali Osman was found not guilty on 16 August and set free.

Please write immediately in Arabic, English or your own language:

 Urging the Sudanese authorities to quash the convictions and set aside the sentences issued against Ferdous Al Toum and Rehab Omer Kakoum and release them immediately and unconditionally;

 Calling on them to abolish the penalty of flogging, which violates the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;

 Urging them to repeal Article 152 of the 1991 Criminal Act, which is vague and discriminatory and fails to adhere to Sudan’s international human rights obligations.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 2 OCTOBER 2015 TO:

President HE Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir

Office of the President People’s Palace

PO Box 281 Khartoum,

Sudan Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Justice Awad Al Hassan Alnour

Ministry of Justice

PO Box 302 Al Nil Avenue Khartoum,

Sudan

Salutation: Your Excellency

And copies to:

Minister of Interior Ismat Abdul-Rahman Zain Al-Abdin

Ministry of Interior

PO Box 873 Khartoum

Sudan

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.

Further information: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/AFR54/2046/2015/en/