Khartoum, Sudan — Human rights advocates are expressing concern as Sudanese courts continue to issue death sentences to civilians accused of collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF that began in April 2023.

In the latest case, a criminal court in Karari, under the jurisdiction of Khartoum State, sentenced a citizen — identified only by the initials “H.J.” — to death by hanging. The ruling was issued as a “discretionary punishment” after the defendant was found guilty of alleged collaboration with the RSF.

The judgment is one of several similar rulings in recent months, as Sudan’s state media has reported multiple convictions on charges of “collaborating with the enemy.”

The Sudanese military has also initiated a campaign titled “Report a Collaborator”, encouraging the public to report individuals suspected of supporting or sympathizing with the RSF.

However, some legal experts and civil society groups have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse of this campaign. The local legal advocacy group Emergency Lawyers said in a statement that the process may lack transparency and due process, emphasizing the need for proper legal evidence in all proceedings.

“Accusations must be supported by verifiable facts and trials must adhere to established legal standards,” the group stated.

International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have called for adherence to fair trial standards in conflict-related cases. They have raised concerns over reports of arbitrary detentions and limited access to legal defense, which, if verified, would be inconsistent with international human rights norms.

In a recent report, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Sudanese authorities to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary and ensure that legal proceedings are not influenced by political or military considerations.

Observers caution that as Sudan’s conflict continues, the judicial system must remain impartial to foster national unity and protect civilian rights.