Montaser Abdullah

Montaser Abdullah Suleiman Khairallah is a Sudanese human rights activist and lawyer, known for providing legal assistance to victims of gender-based violence. After representing the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces, he was arbitrarily detained by Sudanese authorities and faced the death penalty before being acquitted of all charges in 2025.

Activism Abdullah became known for providing legal assistance and support to survivors of gender-based violence. He went on to join the legal team of Tagadum, a pro-civilian coalition involved in peace negotiations to try to bring about the end of the Sudanese civil war which included the former President of Sudan, Abdalla Hamdok. Abdullah represented Tagadum in human rights cases as well as politically sensitive trials, and also provided legal representation to the Sudanese Congress Party. He led Tagadum's legal team following accusations made against the organisation by the National Committee for Investigating Crimes and Violation of National laws and International Humanitarian Law, including of undermining constitutional order, waging war against the state, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Arrest, imprisonment and trial Likely due to his work with Tagadum, Abdullah was placed under surveillance by Sudanese authorities by at least late March 2024.

During his detention at Port Sudan Central Prison, Abdullah was reportedly forced to waive his legal immuninity, granted through his occupation as a practicing trial lawyer. He was also reportedly pressured to confess, though refused. During his imprisonment, worries were raised about his treatment, including him being held in a small cell without access to basic facilities; being subjected to regular beatings; being forced to remain unclothed; and being denied access to healthcare.

Abdullah's trial started on 21 April 2025. He faced a minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of the death penalty. Abdullah denied the charges against him. He continued to be held in pre-trial detention during the proceedings. The Beja Congress also condemned his ongoing detention and called for his immediate release.