Al-Dabbah, June 18(Darfur 24)
A number of Sudanese citizens reported being arrested by security forces, army personnel, and joint armed movement forces at the entrance to the city of Al-Dabbah in Northern State, northern Sudan, after arriving from Darfur and Kordofan.
They explained that the apprehension occurred after a thorough search of their phones using sophisticated equipment, in addition to examining their personal identification documents, national ID numbers, and passports.
Mohamed Emad El-Din, a former detainee, told Darfur 24 that security forces stationed at the western gate ofAl Dabba confiscate phones of passengers arriving from Darfur and Kordofan, and screen them using a device that retrieves deleted WhatsApp messages, along with videos and photos. They then investigate the phone owners and detain them if they suspect their content.
Emad El-Din indicated that the authorities found videos on his phone related to the conflicting parties, although he confirmed that they were automatically downloaded via WhatsApp application. He was transferred to the intelligence headquarters of the 73rd Brigade in AlDabba and later transferred to the 19th Division detention center in Merowe, where he was interrogated for 21 days. He was later released after his identity was verified and his details were obtained from other sources.
He added, “scores remain in detention for the same reasons, as their phones contain photos, messages, and videos, without clear legal action being taken against them.”
Another detainee, Mohamed Adam, said that he was detained for the same reasons for more than a month before being released after it was confirmed that there was no evidence to support his case.
For her part, Noon Kashkoush, a member of the Emergency Lawyers Group, told Darfur 24 that these arbitrary measures have been practiced since the beginning of the armed conflict in the country.
She emphasized that the searches of phones and the arrests of citizens occur outside the legal framework, without orders issued by the Public Prosecution, which constitutes a blatant violation of privacy.
Kashkoush emphasized that the authority to conduct searches and arrests should be exercised only through the competent judicial authorities, noting that judicial rulings have been issued in some cases, and that individuals have been arrested at checkpoints because of photos showing them wearing Rapid Support Forces uniforms, without being given the right to defense or due process.
Darfur 24 was unable to obtain an official comment from the Sudanese army or the joint force regarding these alleged incidents.