Khartoum –May 30(Darfur24) Prominent Lawyer and Human Rights Activist Elshareef Ali Elshareef Mohammed Arrested in Khartoum
on 27 May 2023.
Prominent lawyer and human rights activist Elshareef Ali Elshareef Mohammed was arrested in the morning hours of
on 27 May 2023, in Khartoum by armed personnel believed to be linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and intelligence services, sources confirmed to Darfur24.
He was reportedly taken from his home to an unknown location. His family said the arrest was carried out by around 8 to 10 armed individuals who identified themselves as members of the armed forces and intelligence services. No arrest warrant was presented, and no reason was given for the detention. His fate and whereabouts remain unknown.
His family also expressed serious concern over his health condition, noting that he is diabetic and may require regular medication and medical follow-up. They warned that his condition could deteriorate if he does not receive appropriate medical care while in detention.
Elshareef Ali Elshareef Mohammed is widely known for his significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Sudan and for his support of Sudanese human rights activists. He has played an important role in enhancing civil and political rights in Sudan, particularly through his work with civil society and religious minority communities, where he has consistently promoted coexistence, religious freedom, and the protection of fundamental rights. During Sudan’s transitional period, he was actively engaged in advancing and strengthening human rights, civic freedoms, and democratic values.
Since the outbreak of the war on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan has witnessed widespread violence, displacement, and increasing reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions amid concerns over the targeting of civilians and activists.
His arrest is believed to be linked to his political views and long-standing pro-democracy engagement. During the 2019 revolution and the transitional period, he supported efforts toward building a democratic Sudan and opposed the military coup. He also worked with resistance committees, conducting training on human rights, and supported networks of lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders working to protect civilians and promote accountability.
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI), where Elshareef Ali Elshareef Mohammed is a founder, has issued a statement expressing serious concern over his arrest and confirming that he was taken by armed personnel to an unknown location. The organization called for his immediate and unconditional release, warning of serious risks to his safety.
Civil society sources say his detention reflects a broader pattern of intimidation and targeting of human rights defenders in Sudan, particularly those involved in documenting abuses and supporting civic and resistance movements.
No official comment has been issued by the authorities at the time of publication.