by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the
Commission and Council
(12 February
2002)
Subject: Sentence of death by stoning in Sudan
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E-0506/02EN on
behalf of the Commission (5 April
2002) The Commission - through its Delegation in Sudan -
has been active on this issue and contacts have been taken with the Sudanese
authorities. It is clear that the international community’s action has been
influential. The Court of appeal in Southern Darfur overturned the sentence
of death by stoning and sent the case back to the lower criminal court in
Nyala for new sentencing where Ms Akok was given 75 lashes. However, Ms Akok’s lawyer has launched an appeal to
the high court on the grounds that the sentence was given and immediately
executed, thus making it impossible for Ms Akok to seek legal advice and
preventing her from exercising any right of appeal. So far, the lawyer did
not receive any answer. The Sudanese government ratified the international
covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) in March 1976. However, Sudan
has not yet ratified the second optional protocol to the CCPR, aiming at the
abolition of the death penalty. The Commission will also continue to follow
the issue of the international obligations of Sudan. |