HUDO Centre Date: 8th February 2019 No.: H.K/PR/14/019 PRESS STATEMENT (For immediate release) ARREST OF IBRAHIM BY NISS IN DAMAZIN-SUDAN On 30th January 2019, Mr. Ibrahim Balla Ibrahim was arrested by NISS in Damazin for his chats (communication) on social media. He was released on 2nd February 2019 after being warned not to engage in any conversations on social media regarding the demonstrations. On 30th January 2019, National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) in Damazin arrested Mr. Ibrahim Balla Ibrahim, 36 years old from the market. Mr. Ibrahim is a civil servant. He was detained at NISS office and interrogated about his support to TASQUT BAS (the regime must go) hashtag on Twitter. The hashtag is considered by NISS to be encouraging people to demonstrate. On 2nd February 2019, NISS Damazin released Mr. Ibrahim after warning him not to engage in any social media activities concerning the news about demonstrations; otherwise he will be arrested and tortured. Since December 2018, demonstrations have been going on in many towns of Sudan including Damazin where people are demanding for their basic rights and political reforms. The security forces responded with excessive force towards demonstrators which caused loss of lives and many have been arrested. HUDO is very concerned about the situation of people during this time of demonstrations in Sudan. HUDO calls upon;  Sudan government to stop targeting, arresting, and intimidating people.  Sudan government to respect its international obligations towards their citizens.  NISS in Damazin to stop intimidating and harassing people. End For more information please write to: hudo2009@gmail.com