Update: Intisar Sharif Abdallah Released Unconditionally without Further Charge
Earlier this month we issued an action alert to stop the stoning of Intisar Sharif Abdallah* in Sudan. We are pleased to share the news from our Sudanese sisters who report that as of 21 June 2012, Intisar was released unconditionally and without further charges. Please see SIHA's press release below.
We congratulate and celebrate the work and actions by Sudanese women’s rights activists and their supporters around the world. We also thank everyone in our networks who took part in this global action.
We remain committed that the Sudanese government must reform the penal code in order to honour its commitment to international human rights standards it has signed up to including the decriminalization of consensual sexual relations between adults and the elimination of capital punishment in all its forms. Stoning must never again be considered as a legitimate punishment for any crime.
With thanks and in solidarity,
Violence is Not Our Culture,
Women Living Under Muslim Laws
SIHA Press Release
21st June 2012: SIHA has been informed to today by the legal team representing Intisar Sharif Abdullah, that she has been released unconditionally and without further charge. We understand so far, the appeal court of Karari, Omdurman – Khartoum, overruled the previous verdict and ordered Intisar's immediate release, which was carried out in a silent manner yesterday. As it seems, the case was not referred back to the local court, so that this decision will probably be final. SIHA will receive copies of the appeal court's decision on Sunday to comprehend on which grounds the new decision was made.
Intisar had been kept in solitary confinement with her 5 month old baby since the 22nd April 2012, charged with adultery and sentenced without legal representation nor translation. Since then an appeal process was instigated alongside international campaign calling for her released and was joined by human rights organizations inclusive of Human Rights Watch and Amnesty international
As for now, we are first and foremost happy for Intisar, her children and her entire family. SIHA will be further in touch with Intisar and try to support her where possible, and we will continue our work to prevent any woman going through an experience such as this. We'd like to express our thanks to all of those who shared our concerns for Intisar and gave their support in this case. For more information please contact sihahornofafrica@gmail.com.
*This is an update on the action Sudan: Stop the Stoning of Intisar Sharif Abdallah: http://www.violenceisnotourculture.org/Calls-for-Action/sudan-stop-stoning-intisar-sharif-abdallah.
