PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 25/001/2004

20 December 2004

Further Information on UA 307/04 (MDE 25/002/2004, 11 November 2004) Fear of forcible return

UAE/SUDAN Abdelaziz Khalid Osman (m), Sudanese national, aged over 60 (Released)

Abdelaziz Khalid Osman, a political opponent of the Sudanese government was reportedly released on 18 December. He had been extradited to the capital Khartoum on 23 November having initially being arrested on 24 September by United Arab Emirates authorities at Abu Dhabi airport.

Despite government statements that he would not be arrested, upon arrival in Khartoum on 23 November, Abdelaziz Khalid Osman was held at the office of the Attorney-General for "crimes against the state".

According to the news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP), Abdelaziz Khalid Osman was granted an amnesty by President Lieutenant General Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir following a commitment not to resume an armed struggle against the regime.

Abdelaziz Khalid Osman was reportedly not ill-treated whilst being held and his daughter wishes to express her greetings and deep appreciation to all those who worked for his release.

No further action is requested from the Urgent Action network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.