09 January 2008 :
A number of Eritreans and Ethiopians detained in Sudan could face detention without trial, torture and possible execution if they are forcibly repatriated.Four Eritreans were arrested on or around November 2, 2007 at the Sudanese border and are being held without charge under the National Security Forces Act of 1999 in Port Sudan State Prison after apparently evading compulsory military service at home.
The names of the detainees are as follows: Marhui Gbryrham, Fitouy Fshai Yingbr Mikaeel, Dislby Tsfa Brhan Hagoss and Ablom tfisty gbry Slasy. Human rights organisations have reported the lengthy detention and use of torture against individuals accused of skipping conscription in Eritrea.
Five Ethiopians remain in detention in Khartoum under the National Security Forces Act after being arrested from their homes in July last year.
The names of the detainees are as follows: Haroun Idriss, Abdala Suliman, Badreldin Ali, Mohamed Amin Nardi and Ibrahim Albana.
Sources say they were arrested along with four other individuals, Adam Pasilio, Minika Hailo, Faisal Mohamed Osman and Argana Slfim.
They report that members of the group had held refugee status in Sudan since 2004 and had permission to remain in the country, which was renewed periodically.
The Sudanese security forces deny that they detained Argana Slfim, whose current whereabouts are unclear. Following their arrests, Adam Pasilio, Minika Hailo and Faisal Mohamed Osman were deported to Ethiopia according to a ruling by the Khartoum North Criminal Court after they apparently confessed to residing illegally in Sudan. They have reportedly since been detained by the Ethiopian authorities and held in an unknown location.
All of those arrested are Muslims belonging to the Oromo ethnic group.
There is a risk that any of them who are repatriated to Ethiopia could face death because of their past political activities.
(Sources: SOAT, 08/01/2008)