The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150, strimel@aiusa.org, @strimel

Amnesty International Expresses "Alarm" Over Reports of Police Beating of Hip Hop Artist Emmanuel Jal in Sudan

NEW YORK

Amnesty International USA Executive Director Suzanne Nossel made the following comments today in response to reports that the international hip hop artist and human rights advocate Emmanuel Jal had been seriously beaten by police in South Sudan:

"We're shocked and alarmed by reports that Emmanuel Jal was seriously beaten by police. His account of an unprovoked attack, preceded by the seizure of his mobile phone, must be immediately investigated and all those responsible must be held accountable. We further call on the authorities to ensure that Jal is able to move freely and in safety while in South Sudan.

"Jal has been a dedicated advocate for peace and security in the region for years. His early years as a child soldier had made him extraordinarily credible as an advocate to prevent the use of children as soldiers worldwide to support the establishment of a global arms trade treaty and to defend human rights."

According to news reports, Jal was stopped by police, who took his mobile phone. Five officers beat him for five minutes until he eventually lost consciousness.

Jal, a native of Sudan, was in Juba to highlight International Peace Day with a "We Want Peace" gala and concert on September 20 and 21.

Jal has worked with Amnesty International USA on several music and video projects to build awareness of human rights abuses in Sudan and worldwide.

Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people - no matter who they are or where they are. We are the world's largest grassroots human rights organization.

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