Salih Mahmoud Osman is an attorney working with the Sudan Organisation Against Torture to provide legal assistance, medical aid and counselling to victims of Sudan’s civil war. He has been instrumental in organising the first training programme by senior lawyers from the American Bar Association in London this week to train Sudanese lawyers about the International Criminal Court.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

Four years ago I was defending with other lawyers a group of 57 accused persons charged under Article 130 of the Sudan penal code in front of Nyala special criminal court. All the accused belonged to the Maalia tribe except one who belonged to the Dinka tribe from the south of Sudan. All of the accused were acquitted except the Dinka boy who was convicted and sentenced to death. We were shocked by the decision; we made an appeal but I could not continue with the case because I was detained and held for seven months without charge. The reason given was that we were providing free legal aid to victims accused of committing offences against the State.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

I was a trainee when I was sent to court to attend some preliminary issues as a defence lawyer. The trial judge decided to proceed with the trial and I was asked to appear on behalf of the office representing the accused. As a trainee I was not authorised to appear before the court except by a special permission from the court itself; I was allowed to represent our client who was facing a charge under section 251 of the Sudan penal code which at that time carried the death penalty. This case was pending for five years. The accused was acquitted finally and his family members insisted that I go with them to their village to attend the celebrations This was my first case as a lawyer – I can’t forget the moment when the decision was pronounced.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

There have been so many in addition to my family members – schoolteachers mainly, who supported me and encouraged me, always telling me about the future and about responsibility and how to help others who need our help.

Why did you become a lawyer?

I don’t know exactly why I became a lawyer but I know now it was not a very bad choice.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?

Only that one should not be surprised by the outcome of any case.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen and why?

If I was not a lawyer I would have chosen to become a teacher I think. It gives you the opportunity to learn and hear from others and suggest solutions to problems.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

As a human rights lawyer and a politician – I expect that I will always be in the middle of the struggle for freedom.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

Details of the training scheme to be held with the ABA section of the Litigation Darfur Legal Training Project (June 3-9) from www.abanews.org

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