On 8th December 2001, Abok Alfa Akok, a Christian woman of 18 years of age from the Dinka tribe, was sentenced by the criminal court in Nyala City, Southern Darfur, to execution by stoning for the crime of adultery.
The Sudanese Government has in the past claimed that its Sharia laws would not be applied to Christians, but this case shows otherwise. The sentence was based on Article 146 of the Sudan's 1991 Penal Code, which is based upon the government's interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law), and which states that whoever commits the offence of adultery shall be punished with:

1. Execution by stoning when the offender is married (muhsan).

2. One hundred lashes when the offender is not married (non-muhsan).

3. Male, non-married offenders may be punished, in addition to whipping, with expatriation for one year.

Her lawyer stated she did not receive a fair trial and an appeal has been submitted against the sentence.

ACTION NEEDED:

Please write to the Sudanese authorities urging them:

1. To provide legal representation for Abok Alfa Akok and to guarantee a fair and prompt appeal trial.

2. Permanently abolish the death penalty in Sudan.

3. To ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Abok Alfau Akok, and of all prisoners in Sudan, and guarantee their right to free trial.

4. To ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards.

ADDRESSES:

His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir, President of the Republic of Sudan, People's Palace, PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan,
Telex: 22385 PEPLC SD or 22411 KAID SD
Fax: +249 11 771 7 24

Mr Ali Osman Yasin, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Ministry of Justice, Khartoum, Sudan.
Telex:22459 KHRJA SD or 22461 KHRJA SD (via
Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Fax: +249 11 7740 63

Mr Mustafa Osman Ismail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan, Telex: 22459 KHRJA SD or 22461
KHRJA SD
Fax: 249 11 7740 63

Please also write to the embassies of Sudan in your respective countries.