[call for action] Muntaser Ibrahim

[kaberett]

Content notes: political detention, possible denial of medical care.

Muntaser Ibrahim is a family friend, a brilliant scientist, and a good man; he's been repeatedly arrested by the Sudanese authorities for peaceful, compassionate protest against actions taken by the government.

At time of writing he's been detained for over two weeks, and family and friends have no idea where -- or whether he's receiving the specialist medical care he needs for his heart condition.

His colleagues and students have issued a statement (that I'm not managing to find a copy of) requesting that international scientists support the campaign for Muntaser's release.

I'm trying to get in touch with Amnesty International about this -- if any of you have direct contacts there (in addition to the outward-facing channels) I'd appreciate being put in touch.

I'd also appreciate it if you'd write to your local Sudanese embassy demanding Muntaser's immediate release (along with reassurance that he is receiving all appropriate medical care). For the UK, that's https://www.sudan-embassy.co.uk/.

Comments

[katzenfabrik]

I've written to the Sudanese embassy to Switzerland. Pasting my email here in case it's helpful for anyone else.

Dear Dr. Elamin,

I write to you out of concern for one of your citizens, Professor Muntaser Ibrahim, who has been detained since February 21.

Professor Ibrahim is a world-renowned scientist and researcher of genetics. His peaceful actions against human rights abuses are no justification whatsoever for his incarceration. Further, it is unacceptable that Professor Ibrahim's family do not know where he is being held, or whether he is receiving the medical care he needs for a heart condition.

I call on you to release Professor Ibrahim, and for reassurance that he is receiving all appropriate medical care.

Yours sincerely,
(my name)

[katzenfabrik]

Can I share this blog post on Twitter?

[kaberett]

Please do, and thank you <3

[alexwlchan]

I’m away from home (and my writing stationery) this evening, but I’ve made a note to do it tomorrow.

[kaberett]

Thank you. <3

[alexwlchan]

Written, sent.

[meneltarma]

Nothing helpful to add, except that when I saw the name in the cut tag I had already seen a petition demanding his release (maybe the international scientists?) and my brain fuzzily went "?? political prisoner, disability issues??" (maybe disability twitter?) so you are not alone in this call, and he is not forgotten. Small comfort when you don't know where he is, and I'm doing what I can to amplify it along what channels I have.

[kaberett]

Thank you. <3

I've not seen the petition yet -- if it surfaces again could you point me at it?

[booksarelife]

The closest I have to a contact with Amnesty International is through my US college's Amnesty International student organization, but I'm not sure if that's useful. I can contact them and see if Amnesty's doing anything/has any resources/info, if you want?

[kaberett]

I'm already in slightly more contact than that so probably no need, thank you <3

[booksarelife]

I'm glad you found someone/some contact!

[vass]

Will do.