KHARTOUM, Sudan, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- A rebel leader was sentenced to death by a Sudanese court for his role in fighting against Sudanese forces in South Kordofan, a judge said.
A judge in Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan state, sentenced Al-Tom Hamed after Hamed was convicted on charges of undermining the constitution and "stirring up war," the state-run Sudan News Agency reports.
The rebel leader was captured by Sudanese forces following a raid by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement against military forces in South Kordofan.
The state news agency identified Hamed as JEM's political representative in the Nuba Mountains. He denied playing a role in attacks in the southern state.
Conflict erupted in June following attempts to disarm ethnic Nuban fighters along the border between Sudan and South Sudan. Khartoum denies allegations that it was involved in an ethnic cleansing campaign in the region.
A report from the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights documents serious rights violations near the Nuba Mountains in the region. The report accuses the north's armed forces and the south's army of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other atrocities.
The Sudanese ambassador said the United Nations should wait to discuss the matter until Khartoum conducts its own investigation into the claims.
