The Emergency Lawyers group on Thursday called for the case to be reopened and those responsible held to account over the death of Muaz Abu-Suwar al-Sheikh Awouda, who died on Aug. 12, 2024 while in police custody in Port Sudan after 11 days of detention under what the group described as “inhuman” conditions.
In a statement, the group said Abu-Suwar, a civilian, was arrested on Aug. 1 during a security sweep and charged under articles related to fraud, bribery and misconduct, following a complaint by a security police officer. On Aug. 6, a prosecutor ordered the case dropped and his release, but police allegedly ignored the order and continued holding him without legal basis.
The complainant officer then filed a personal appeal against the prosecutor’s decision—an action the group said was unlawful interference by a non-competent security body. Authorities subsequently brought a new charge of passport-visa forgery, and Abu-Suwar remained in harsh conditions, allegedly denied drinking water and adequate food. Bail was refused despite the charge allowing it, the statement said.
His health reportedly deteriorated, but he was neither taken to hospital nor released; his detention was repeatedly extended without referral to trial. Abu-Suwar fell into a coma in the early hours of Aug. 12 inside the cell and was transferred to Port Sudan Teaching Hospital, where he died later that day.
A medical report cited by the group said he arrived in a deep coma, with examination indicating pulmonary hemorrhage and enlargement of the heart, liver and kidneys—findings the group said point to severe neglect and possible torture during detention. The group added that while the family and defense team petitioned the attorney general to open a case—prompting a committee to be formed—the committee later closed proceedings for “lack of legal violation,” without notifying the family or lawyers.
The Emergency Lawyers said the death represents a grave violation of the right to life and human dignity and reflects security overreach and collusion in holding civilians outside the law, in breach of Sudan’s obligations under the ICCPR and the Convention Against Torture.
