The Criminal Act of 1991 in Sudan was enacted to align the country's legal system with Islamic principles, incorporating Shari'a law.
The National Islamic Front (NIF), Ansar, and Khatmiyya Sufi order (DUP) became significant players in Sudanese politics.
[2][3] The Criminal Act of 1991 enacted by the Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation on 31 January 1991,[4] replaced the Penal Code of 1983.
Qisas refers to retributive justice, often applied in cases of murder or bodily harm, allowing for equivalent retaliation or compensation Ta'zir offenses are less severe and their punishments are discretionary, determined by a judge based on the circumstances.
Women were instructed to dress modestly according to Islamic standards, including wearing a head covering which was enforced by the Public Order Police.
[18] On 14 February 2013, a man's right hand and foot were amputated at al-Ribat Hospital after he was convicted with armed robbery,[19][20] known as "Hirabah" in article 168 of the 1991 Sudanese Criminal Act.
The enforcement of these laws restricted women's participation in public life, including their ability to work and engage in social activities.
Doebbler alleged that Sudan violated various provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights by arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and torturing individuals, including himself, during his work as legal counsel.
For example, in 2020, the Transitional Government of Sudan made several changes, including the elimination of the death penalty for apostasy and the removal of flogging as a punishment for certain offences.