HUDO Centre Date: 24th February 2020 No.: H.K/PS/06/020 PRESS STATEMENT (For immediate release) ASSASSINATION OF HASSAN BY PDF SOLDIERS IN RASHAD, SUDAN On 22nd February 2020, Mr. Hassan Ismail was shot dead by three masked armed men in PDF uniform near Rashad town for unknown reason. A case was filed at Rashad police office against anonymous. On 22nd February 2020, Mr. Hassan Ismail Mohammed Al-Ahdab (51 years) was travelling from his village of Baloula to Rashad town on a motorbike. He was obstructed and shot at by three armed masked men dressed in people Defense Force (PDF) uniform. The assassins were riding two motorbikes and after shooting him, they ran away. Hassan was found in a pool of blood but still alive (breathing) by people on a vehicle (truck) which was coming from Rashad to Baloula and his motorbike was nearby him. They took him to Rashad town hospital where he passed away/ died from. Before his death, he had informed (death confession) the people who brought him on the truck the identity of the three culprits who shot him. A case was reported/ filed at Rashad police office against anonymous. Rashad town is capital of Rashad locality in South Kordufan State/ Nuba Mountains, Baloula is a village in Rashad locality located in a distance of approximately 15 km eastwards Rashad town. HUDO is very concerned about the situation of civilians in conflict areas and calls upon;  Sudan government to urgently investigate the state of insecurity in South Kordufan/ Nuba Mountains and to solve it urgently.  Sudan government to ensure that police executes their duties responsibly  Sudan government to ensure the safety of people in conflict areas  Sudan government to dissolve the PDF and disarm them.  Sudan government to respect its international obligations towards their citizens. End: For more information please write to: hudo2009@gmail.com