The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the decision of the Al Qadarif Court of Appeal on 8 September 2026 to uphold a ruling issued by the Al Qadarif Criminal Court sentencing activist Alaa El‑Din Al‑Sherif to five years’ imprisonment on charges related to alleged cooperation with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The case comes amid the continued prosecution of civilians and activists on allegations linked to the ongoing armed conflict.
According to information documented by CFJ, the Al Qadarif Criminal Court issued its judgment against Alaa El‑Din Al‑Sherif on 4 June 2026, based on Article 51 of the Sudanese Criminal Act and other legal provisions. The subsequent decision by the Court of Appeal to uphold the sentence has raised human rights concerns regarding the impact of conflict-related prosecutions of civilians on fair trial guarantees and judicial independence.
The Committee for Justice stresses that all defendants are entitled to the rights of legal defense, due process, and a fair, independent, and impartial trial in accordance with applicable legal standards and international human rights principles.
CFJ calls for a review of the ruling in line with recognized legal safeguards, the release of detainees against whom insufficient evidence exists, and an end to the use of judicial proceedings or exceptional legal provisions to restrict civic space or target activists and civilians.
The Committee further emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, protecting public freedoms, and upholding the rule of law, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict and heightened concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights and fair trial standards.