Magdy Moustafa El-Baghdady v Republic of the Sudan

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This case concerns the arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of Magdy El-Baghdady by Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS, now the General Intelligence Service) in 2011. 

In 2024, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights found Sudan responsible for serious human rights violations and ordered reparation measures, including a suite of institutional and legal reforms. 

MAGDY’S STORY 

Magdy, a British national, was arrested in June 2011 by the NISS without any warrant or charge. He was held incommunicado in secret detention facilities for over two months without access to a lawyer, family, or consular support. During his detention, he was subjected to systematic torture, his property was confiscated, and he was denied adequate medical treatment. After his release in August 2011, Magdy continued to face threats and severe health repercussions resulting from his treatment in detention. 

ACTION FOR JUSTICE 

In 2014, REDRESS, on behalf of Magdy, submitted a Communication to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission). We argued that Sudan violated his rights to freedom from torture and ill-treatment, discrimination, liberty and security, dignity, fair trial, health, and protection of property, by arbitrarily detaining him, torturing him, denying him legal and medical assistance, and shielding State agents from prosecution. 

In 2024, the African Commission adopted its decision on the merits, finding Sudan responsible for these violations. The African Commission emphasised Sudan’s failure to investigate the allegations of torture, the broad immunity granted to NISS officials in the performance of their duties, and the impunity for security officials enshrined in Sudanese law (particularly under the National Security Act). 

THE OUTCOMES 

The African Commission made numerous orders for reparation: 

  • Compensation: Sudan must pay Magdy “appropriate compensation” for medical and psychological treatment, loss of earnings, and moral damages for the suffering endured. 
  • Investigation and Prosecution: Sudan must undertake an effective and impartial investigation into the detention, torture and associated violations, lift immunities shielding perpetrators, and prosecute those found responsible. 
  • Institutional and Practical Reform: Sudan should undertake institutional and practical reforms to ensure that individuals alleging torture or ill-treatment can effectively pursue complaints (including safeguarding confidentiality, the providing adequate medical care and access to qualified physicians who can produce medical reports in line with recognised standards, implementing protocols for the secure retention of medical records for torture victims, and offering comprehensive training to NISS personnel). The Commission also recommended the establishment of an independent complaint mechanism to investigate actions against law enforcement personnel  
  • Improving detention conditions: Sudan should ensure access to clean water, food, proper sanitation facilities, appropriate cell occupancy, and humane treatment of detainees to align with international standards. 
  • Legal Reform: The decision orders amendments of the National Security Act to align with the African Charter. These include either removing the NISS’ arrest and detention powers entirely or, at a minimum, ensuring prompt access to legal representation, medical assistance, and the right to habeas corpus. The African Commission also ordered Sudan to explicitly criminalise torture and take effective measures to combat impunity by repealing immunity provisions. 

QUICK FACTS 

  • Case name: Magdy Moustafa El-Baghdady v Republic of the Sudan
  • Jurisdiction: African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
  • Date filed: 25 October 2013
  • Decision date: 2 August 2024 
  • Current status: Decision reached; reparations and reforms ordered 
  • Legal representation: REDRESS (on behalf of Mr. El-Baghdady)