Daily Darfur: What Constitution?

by Michelle . · 2009-04-23 04:11:00 UTC
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(The news feeds are relatively quiet this morning --- mostly dominated by talk of Mia Farrow's hunger strike.)

Another 11 members of the Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement were sentenced to death yesterday for their participation in a surprise attack on the Khartoum suburb of Omdurman last year.

The rebels were convicted by a special court, which defense lawyers claim is unconstitutional and fails to guarantee the legal rights of the defendants.

Somehow, I imagine the government of Sudan to be unconcerned --- perhaps the Sudanese counterpart to Guantanamo. And, of course, the hallmark of being a good authoritarian is the ease with which one disregards due process. ("It's so cute that you think the constitution can actually protect you.")

Quickies

The IRC collected an impressive 28,000 signatures on its petition protesting its expulsion from Darfur. (Thanks to Andrea for passing on the link.)

Nigerian civil society groups are pressing their government to take a strong stance against Khartoum.

Michelle . has been involved in various activist endeavors, including the Teach Against Genocide pilot campaigns.
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