On Monday, January 19, Sudan’s anti-terrorism court in Port Sudan kicked off a landmark mass trial involving 201 defendants linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Among those on trial are RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
Proceedings are held both in person and in absentia, meaning some defendants are tried without being physically present in court. The hearings follow a decree by army chief and Transitional Sovereignty Council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who authorized a national committee to investigate alleged RSF abuses since the war erupted. The committee has registered about 12,400 cases tied to the paramilitary group, reflecting widespread allegations of serious crimes.
Prosecutors have charged defendants with waging war against the state, undermining constitutional order and backing armed rebellion. High-profile allegations include the killing of West Darfur’s governor and the takeover of Gezira state. Additional counts cover murder, forced displacement, looting and large-scale sexual violence.
During the opening session, the prosecution detailed evidence gathered over more than two and a half years of investigations. Defendants, identified as RSF members or alleged collaborators, also face charges of participating in military operations against the Sudanese army, illegal weapons possession and crimes against humanity. Certain convictions carry the death penalty.
Reference(s):
Sudan opens mass trial against RSF-linked suspects over war crimes
cgtn.com
