LONDON, United-Kingdom, January 15, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Sudanese teacher and activist Jalila Khamis Koko will no longer face the death penalty after some of the charges against her were dropped yesterday.
The Khartoum North Criminal Court dropped the capital charges because it found that state witnesses failed to provide adequate evidence. Khamis Koko still faces two other charges that carry a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment and a fine.
“It is a relief that this fabricated charge has been dropped by the Sudanese justice system and that Jalila’s life is no longer on the line,” said Audrey Gaughran, Amnesty International’s Africa program director.
“However, the fight is not yet over. After nine months Jalila is still in detention and her health is deteriorating. All remaining charges must be dropped and Jalila released immediately and unconditionally.”
Khamis Koko’s next court appearance is scheduled for 17 January.