The defense team for Ahmed Mohamed Haroun, former head of Sudan's ruling National Congress party, has called on Sudanese authorities to immediately disclose his detention location and legal status. In a statement released on November 9, 2026, the team expressed concern and disapproval over Haroun's arrest following a lengthy interview with the "Sudan Podcast" program. The interview, which aired on Friday, marked Haroun's first public appearance since the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.
Haroun's defense team emphasized that personal freedom is a right guaranteed by constitutional and legal principles, and any restrictions on it must be based on clear legal reasons and subject to judicial oversight. They warned against using detention as a means of punishment or restriction due to freedom of expression. The team demanded that authorities specify the entity detaining Haroun, his location, and allow him to communicate with his lawyers without obstacles.
The defense team also requested that authorities disclose the legal basis for Haroun's arrest, ensure his physical and mental well-being, and present him to the competent judicial authorities within the legally stipulated timeframe. They stressed the importance of subjecting any procedures taken against Haroun to independent judicial oversight, guaranteeing his right to defend himself and receive a fair trial.
Haroun's appearance on the podcast sparked widespread controversy, given his previous role in the deposed regime and his status as a wanted individual by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. The ICC allegations are claims Haroun rejects, attributing them to political motivations. The reaction to his interview was divided; supporters of the National Congress party celebrated his appearance, describing it as courageous, while opponents criticized him for not sufficiently reviewing the experience of the rescue rule and its responsibility for Sudan's crises.
The aftermath of Haroun's interview saw renewed attention to his file at the ICC, with human rights activists calling for his surrender to the court. Two days after the interview aired, reports emerged of Haroun's arrest on November 8, 2026. News agencies, including Reuters and Associated Press, cited unnamed officials and lawyers confirming his detention in Omdurman, although the exact location and reasons for his arrest remained unclear.
The statement from Haroun's defense team adds a legal dimension to the case, demanding the disclosure of his detention location and allowing his lawyers to meet with him. This development comes in the absence of an official explanation from the military or judicial authorities regarding the reasons for his arrest or his legal status. Radio Dabanga reported that, as of Monday evening, there was still no official confirmation from the Public Prosecutor's Office, Ministry of Justice, or police.
The case of Ahmed Haroun has sparked concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Sudan, particularly in light of his high-profile status and the controversies surrounding his past actions and current detention. The defense team's calls for transparency and adherence to legal procedures reflect broader demands for accountability and justice in the country. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Sudanese authorities will respond to these demands and what implications this may have for Haroun's future and Sudan's political landscape.
Key points
- The defense team for Ahmed Haroun demands Sudanese authorities disclose his detention location and reasons for arrest.
- Haroun's arrest follows his appearance on a podcast where he discussed political and national issues in Sudan.
- The case has sparked concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Sudan.
