Rights group concerned over death sentences in Darfur

International human rights groups have expressed concern over what they describe as a "sharp increase" in death sentences this year in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

The London-based human rights organisation, Amnesty International (AI), on Friday said it considered the Sudanese penal code, which is based on the Islamic [sharia] law as "cruel, inhuman and degrading". Punishments under sharia include limb amputations and death by crucifixion. The organisation said this was inconsistent with international human rights law.

According to AI, at least 19 people have been executed in Darfur since the beginning of this year, without being given the opportunity to defend themselves, as required by international law. "Many more run the risk of losing their lives unless this alarming trend is halted," it warned.

"This is state-sanctioned killing at its worse, with those suspected having little or no recourse to defend themselves," AI said. "The judicial authorities in Sudan must ensure that all prisoners are guaranteed every opportunity to defend themselves, including the right of appeal to a higher tribunal, and to seek commutation of the sentence."

According to AI, emergency courts were established in both Northern and Southern Darfur in May 2001 to deal with offences such as armed robberies, murders and the illegal possession of weapons. The courts are headed by two military judges and one civilian judge, and do not allow representation of the accused until the appeal stage of the proceedings, the rights organisation said.