LOCAL RESIDENTS SEEK SUPPORT FOR FATHER DETAINED IN SUDAN

Written by SUSAN KRAMER MP on Tue 4th Sep 2007

Visiting Sudan and Darfur as part of a delegation ahead of upcoming peace talks, Susan Kramer MP met local residents battling for the release from detention of their farther, Mr Mubarak El-Mahdi, head of the Umma Reform and Renewal political Party in Sudan.

Mr Mubarak was detained over 45 days ago and for most of that time was held by the intelligence service in solitary confinement without access to a lawyer or his family. He was initially denied medical treatment despite his weak health. He has not been charged.

Mr Mubarak's wife and children are British citizens and residents of Sheen.

Kramer said: "Freedom for political parties is crucial if Sudan is to have successful elections in 2008 or 2009. So this detention has broad implications. Mr Mubarak has been working for the reunification of factions of the Umma party and for a broader non-government alliance.

"While it is unusual to travel as far as Sudan and find constituents in need of representation, I have been glad to ask for the British Government's support.

We have just heard that Mr Mubarak has been able to meet with his lawyers and family. He needs either to be released or to know the charge against him and receive bail to properly answer those charges."

ENDS