30/03/2026
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) Condemns the Exhumation of a Religious Figure’s Grave in East Al-Jazira and Calls for Investigation and Accountability
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) expresses its strong condemnation and deep concern over the incident of the exhumation of the grave and shrine of Sheikh Al-Faki Mohammed Karja in the village of Al-Saqi’a in East Al-Jazira, and the removal of his body to an unknown location. This constitutes a grave violation of the sanctity of the dead and a clear assault on human dignity, religious values, and established social norms.
SHRI affirms that this act is legally classified as a serious violation of freedom of religion and belief in both its individual and collective dimensions, through the targeting of a religious/spiritual symbol associated with religious practice within the community. It also constitutes a violation of the sanctity of the dead and human dignity, which are protected under constitutional principles and international human rights standards requiring respect for the body after death and the protection of graves from any form of desecration or tampering. Furthermore, the act represents a threat to social peace and religious coexistence, as it may contribute to escalating tensions and incitement of discord within society.
SHRI further emphasizes that freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental right guaranteed under international human rights law, particularly Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as under the Sudanese Constitution and the Constitutional Document for the Transitional Period of 2019. These frameworks ensure the protection of this right without discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, and guarantee the protection of religious symbols, shrines, and places of worship.
SHRI notes that it had previously taken the initiative to draft a proposed law on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, in line with the Constitutional Document and Sudan’s international obligations. The aim was to establish a clear legal framework to combat intolerance, extremism, and discrimination on the basis of religion or ideology. However, this proposal was not adopted or endorsed, contributing to a continued legislative gap in this area.
In light of this legislative gap and the stagnation of legal reform processes, SHRI stresses the necessity of activating the provisions of the Sudanese Criminal Code and existing constitutional mechanisms, and of taking deterrent measures against perpetrators of such violations, pending the completion of the required legislative framework for the protection of freedom of religion or belief and the prevention of extremism.
SHRI also underscores that this incident occurs in a concerning context marked by the rising discourse and practices of religious extremism, which pose a direct threat to civil peace and social coexistence, and therefore require a firm response from both the state and society.
SHRI calls for an immediate end to hate speech and incitement, and for the promotion of tolerance and respect for religious diversity as essential pillars of stability and peace in Sudan.
In this regard, SHRI demands the opening of an urgent, transparent, and independent investigation into this incident, the accountability of those responsible in accordance with the law, and the enforcement of relevant constitutional and criminal provisions without hesitation, in order to ensure justice and prevent impunity.
SHRI reaffirms that the protection of human dignity, the sanctity of the dead, the promotion of freedom of religion and belief, the closure of legislative gaps, and the strengthening of the rule of law are essential prerequisites for any path toward sustainable peace and stability in Sudan.
SHRI
