Amnesty International has called on Sudan’s Port Sudan authorities to immediately drop charges against pharmacist Ahmed Shafaa and halt ongoing legal proceedings against him, warning that his trial raises serious concerns over fair trial guarantees.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the rights group said continuing the prosecution ahead of an expected verdict in the coming days risks undermining international standards of justice. It stressed that safeguarding defendants’ legal rights is a fundamental pillar of any credible judicial system.
Shafaa is currently on trial before the Dongola Criminal Court over allegations linked to comments deemed offensive toward a member of the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade, a group aligned with General al-Burhan’s SAF. Proceedings began on January 14, 2026.
Prosecutors have charged him under Articles 62 and 69 of Sudan’s criminal code, which relate to inciting discontent within regular forces and undermining public safety.
The case dates back to July 2025, when a member of the brigade filed a complaint accusing Shafaa of making remarks considered insulting to one of the group’s commanders who was killed in fighting in Kordofan.
Police said the complaint followed a discussion that took place inside Shafaa’s pharmacy in Dongola during a conversation about attending a condolence gathering.
Rights organisations say the case has drawn wide attention due to its implications for freedom of expression, while judicial authorities maintain that proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the law.
A verdict is expected soon, amid growing domestic and international calls for the charges to be reviewed and for due process standards to be upheld.
