The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expressed deep concern over the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the death sentence issued against lawyer and human rights defender Abubakr Mansour, citing what it described as procedural violations affecting fair trial guarantees and the right to defense.
According to CFJ’s documentation, Abubakr Mansour was arrested on 25 November 2024 from his home in the city of Singah, and charged under several articles of the Sudanese Criminal Code, including undermining the constitutional order and waging war against the state. He has remained in detention for more than 500 days.
On 27 April 2025, a trial court issued an initial conviction. The Court of Appeal subsequently heard the case on 27 July 2025, during which it dropped some charges, upheld others, amended the legal characterization, and recommended a harsher penalty—resulting in the case being referred back to the trial court.
On 5 October 2025, the Singah Criminal Court sentenced Mansour to death, without notifying the defense team or allowing it to attend the session, raising serious concerns regarding violations of his right to defense and the completion of legal proceedings in a fair manner.
CFJ noted that the judicial process was marked by restrictions on defense rights and the presentation of evidence, in addition to indications of the use of prolonged detention and politically motivated charges, raising questions about the integrity and impartiality of the proceedings.
The Committee also pointed out that the detention of one of the lawyers connected to the case reflects broader concerns regarding the independence of the legal profession and lawyers’ ability to carry out their roles free from pressure.
The Committee for Justice calls for the suspension of the execution of the death sentence and a reconsideration of the case in a manner that ensures respect for fair trial standards, protects defense rights, and upholds judicial independence and the rule of law.
