Paris, 19 October 2022. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), its leagues and partners are launching an international campaign in support of a young Sudanese woman who is facing death by stoning. A petition has been published on Avaaz. FIDH is against all forms of death penalty, and acknowledges that stoning is one of the most monstrous form of it.
On 26 June 2022, the Kosti criminal court in White Nile State sentenced Amal [1] to death by stoning. She is a 20-year-old woman, after she was found guilty of violating article 146 (2) (adultery) of the Sudanese Penal Code 1991.
The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), Sudan human rights monitor (SHRM), International Federation for Human rights (FIDH), and our partners — Darfur Women Action Group USA, Nora organisation for combating violence against women’s and girls, No to Women’s Oppression, REDRESS, Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) and Sudanese Women Rights Action (SuWRA) — call on the Sudanese authorities to overturn the sentence which constitutes a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and guarantee Amal an immediate and unconditional release.
The Sudanese Constitutional Declaration of 2019 still approves the death penalty including for a hudud [2] crime like adultery. However, the application of the death penalty by stoning for the crime of adultery (zina) is a grave violation of international law, including the right to life and the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against torture to which Sudan is a State Party.
"Stoning is an extremely cruel form of punishment, amongst the worst kinds of torture."
Alice Mogwe, FIDH President."This brutal violence defies my understanding, particularly within our global context of international standards of human rights and protection of the dignity of all. It illustrates how cruel men can be towards women. We call on the sudanese society, authorities as well as the international community to stop that monstrousity", added Alice Mogwe.
Most cases of adultery in Sudan are brought against women, highlighting the discriminatory application of the legislation, in violation of international law that guarantees equality before the law and non-discrimination based on gender.
Our organisations condemn the use of the death penalty in all cases. Amal’s case underscores the urgent need for the authorities of Sudan to issue an immediate moratorium on all executions in Sudan with a view to abolishing the death penalty in law and to revise all legislation that has the purpose or effect of discriminating against women.
The forementioned organisations hope that this petition will draw the attention of the international community to the case.
[1] Amal, through her lawyer, has asked that her name not be made public.
[2] Refers to penalties prescribed in Muslim law.
International Federation for Human rights (FIDH)
African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS)
Sudan Human Rights Monitor (SHRM)
Darfur Women Action Group USA
Nora organization for combatting violence against women’s and girls
No to Women’s Oppression
Redress
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network)
Sudanese Women Rights Action (SuWRA)
