Eight Darfur rebels sentenced to death

Sudan sentenced eight Darfur rebels to death yesterday for their involvement in an unprecedented attack on the capital, including a senior leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

Chanting for a new Sudan and for justice before the court, the eight rebels including JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim's half brother Abdel Aziz el-Nur Ashr said they had no reason to ask for leniency.

"The court is sentencing all eight accused to death by hanging," said Judge Mudathir Rashid Sidahmed.

"Death to the government," Mr Ashr shouted as the verdict was read. The accused have one week to make their only appeal before President Omar Hassan al-Bashir signs the execution order.

A total of 38 have now been sentenced to death in connection with the attack.

The United Nations has voiced concern that the courts do not meet international standards and urged the appeals court to review the sentences.

The attack on Khartoum was the first time a rebel group had brought their fight to the capital. The clashes killed more than 200 people and injured hundreds of others.

The rebels were stopped at bridges over the river Nile a few kilometres from the presidential palace and army headquarters.