It was reported that International human rights organisations...

It was reported that International human rights organisations condemned what they said were increasing cases of arbitrary arrests and torture by the Sudanese security forces in the Darfur state of western Sudan. The UK-based Amnesty International cited the case of 24 people on murder charges who, it said, were tried by special courts whose procedures were "grossly unfair." "The state has a duty to punish those who commit such crimes but they must be given a fair trial and not be sentenced to death," AI said. It added: "The government of Sudan must ensure that those sentenced are given a fair hearing during the appeal process." The Swiss-based World Organisation against Torture (OMCT) said it was concerned by the increased arbitrary mass arrests and risks of torture directed against members of the Zaghawa tribe in Darfur. "OMCT is gravely concerned by this most recent wave of arbitrary arrests that have been carried out by the National Security Agency and the intelligence services," it said. "OMCT calls for their immediate release unless there are valid legal charges against them that are in line with international law."