Family members and activists have called for the release of a group of at least 35 women arrested in South Kordofan last year, accused of having links to the rebel group, SPLM-North.

Transferred to El-Obeid from Kadugli prison early last December, the women are entering their third month in detention without trial. 

Activists and family members told Radio Tamazuj that the group are living in poor conditions since being transferred to El-Obeid prison, adding that a further transfer to White Nile state was made when one of the women, Kadija Badwi, fell ill.

Accusations against the women are centred on their allegedly having links or collaborating with the SPLM-North in both Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

Adela Al-Zaieb, a prominent activist and member of the Women Politicians’ Alliance in Sudan, told Radio Tamazuj over the phone from Khartoum that the detention without trial or proof of guilt is itself a crime and violation of the law.

She revealed that their organization plans to present another petition before also calling upon the international community and human rights defenders to pressure Khartoum into releasing the women.