On July 3, 2012, the Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) arrested Rudwan Dawod, a legal permanent U.S. resident, while participating in a peaceful demonstration organized by Girifna (translated as "We're Fed Up"), a pro-democracy student network, that is calling for the end of austerity measures and the violence perpetrated by the Sudanese government in the Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile, and Darfur.

Charged with terrorism and criminal organization, Dawod faced trial on August 13, 2012, and though these charges were dropped, he was charged under Article 19 for "attempting" to disturb the public peace, which included a fine of 500 Sudanese pounds (90 USD), and a sentence that was limited to time already served. Immediately after being released from custody, Rudwan was ushered by the NISS into a police vehicle waiting for him outside of the courthouse. Once again, Dawod's human rights were blatantly violated by the NISS in the form of an arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention. Since his abduction on July 3rd, the NISS has beaten and tortured Rudwan, threatened him with rape, and made false accusations against him and his family. There is a credible concern for Rudwan’s safety, and fear that he may be receiving harsh treatment, including physical and psychological abuse and torture.

The detention of Rudwan Dawod, and subsequent treatment is not only in gross violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is also inconsistent with Sudan’s own constitution, and the verdict issued in a Sudanese court on August 13th, which was rooted in Sudanese criminal law.

Burmese Democracy Leader and Nobel Peace Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, once stated that when the occasion rises we must use our freedoms to advocate for others who have lost theirs. Working with Sudan Sunrise as a project director, Dawod often traveled to Sudan and South Sudan to advocate for the rights and freedoms of the Sudanese people. This petition is for all the Rudwan's who risk their lives in an effort to bring peace, justice, and greater stability to his/her country. Please stand with Sudan Sunrise and United to End Genocide as we stand with Rudwan in calling for his immediate release. #FreeRudwan #WeAreAllRudwan

Rudwan Dawod is a project director for Sudan Sunrise, a non-governmental organization dedicated to building schools in South Sudan and working to facilitate reconciliation efforts to ensure lasting peace and the end of oppression in Sudan and South Sudan.

Sudan Sunrise:
Follow us on Facebook: JusticeForRudwan
Follow us on Twitter: @SudanSunrise

United to End Genocide:
Follow us on Facebook: endgenocide
Follow us on Twitter: @endgenocide

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Thank you in advance for signing this petition and for advocating for Rudwan's immediate release. If you want to contact the Sudanese Government directly, please see Amnesty International's  urgent action request.