US 'concerned' over rearrest of aid worker in Sudan

Washington says it is "concerned" about the continued detention of Sudanese political activist Rudwan Dawod, an American resident who was re-arrested in Khartoum Monday.

Rudwan and Nancy Dawod Sudan Sunrise

In a statement, the United States Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan strongly urged to honour the decision by the judge who released Dawod.

A court earlier this week released Rudwan Dawod, a member of Girifna, a pro-democracy group in Sudan.

A judge found him not guilty of the most serious charges, including terrorism. But he was found guilty on lesser charges of disturbing the peace and sentenced to a 500 Sudanese Pound fine, the equivalent of 80 euros. And he was given a jail term limited to time already served.

But before Dawod was able the leave the courtroom, Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services arrested him again. His whereabouts are still unclear.

Dawod's pregnant wife, Nancy Dawod, an Oregon resident, has expressed her concern. "I'm not sure where he is, and I'm worried for his safety," she told RFI.

Sudan Sunrise, the US NGO that employs Dawod in Khartoum, has also expressed its concern over Dawod's continued detention.

No new charges have been levelled, according to one of Dawod's lawyers, Abdulmoniem Mohamed.

The Office of the US Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan told RFI Khartoum "must respect its citizens’ rights, including due process, freedom of assembly and the ability to petition the government for reform."

A senior official in the National Congress Party, the ruling party, described the
protests as ridiculously small.