Oregon Aid Worker Faces Death Penalty in Sudan
Fox News brings to light the story of an Oregon man who is facing the death penalty in Sudan for his political activism. Rudwan Dawod's 'crime' was his goal of rebuilding a Catholic cathedral that was burned to the ground by Sudanese forces. Now, he is held in Khartoum, fighting for his very life, and the death penalty on 'terrorism' charges could come as soon as today.
His wife in Oregon, Nancy Williams Dawod, who is pregnant, has to watch from here and wonder if the man she loves, who is described as an amazing humanitarian, will be quickly put to death in the latest example of the 'Bush Strategy; i.e. using the terrorism label to carry out political murder.
The protest he participated in was organized by a group called Girifna, which translates to, “We’re Fed Up”. They are a non-violent youth protest movement in Sudan seeking to end the government's brutality; which in fact equates to state terror.
Rudwan Dawod works for 'Sudan Sunrise', the non-profit started by late NBA star Manute Bol. His supporters say it is a case of the government trumping up charges against him. Observers in Sudan say it is a classic move to discredit non-violent protesters like Dawod and prevent them speaking out against the government. Of course the larger goal of the Sudanese govt. is to teach a lesson; Dawod, who was visiting relatives on 3 July when he was arrested, is being made an example.
Tom Prichard, executive director of Sudan Sunrise, told Fox News that Mr. Dawod was taken into custody while participating in a peaceful protest against the ongoing violence in the region and the Sudanese government’s austerity policies.
“They have picked him out as a way to discredit the youth movement,” Prichard told FoxNews.com.
“They’re saying this guy comes from the United States, he’s part of the CIA. It’s all part of a very strategic plan to make people afraid of the non-violent demonstrators and they’re hanging it on Rudwan. And they’ve actually picked an amazing humanitarian to try and discredit the movement.”
Dawod is now charged with terrorism and criminal organization, which can carry the death penalty.
His wife in Springfield, Ore., told FoxNews.com her 30-year-old husband’s mantra has always been one of peace.
“He’s run a number of humanitarian projects in South Sudan and helped organize Muslims to rebuild a Catholic church in protest of a recent church burning in Khartoum,” she said Monday. “His message is really always peaceful. My hope is that he will be here before our little girl Sudan is born. We just want him back home safely.”
A judge presiding over Dawod’s case characterized the youth protest group Girifna as a “terrorist organization,” sources close to the matter told Prichard, during court proceedings on Sunday. Dawod’s attorneys are expected to finish presenting their case today, he said.
“He’s someone who dreams of a better future, a kind and gracious man,” Prichard said. “He’s someone who is very focused on the suffering of other people. I’ve seen him just weep at times at the suffering of other people.”
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/j...n-dawod-tk.php
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