the representative explained that 510. As regards article 7 of the Covenant, many of the punishments prescribed by Islamic law were not considered as cruel or degrading because they had been imposed by God and derived from His will. the representative said that the 511. Concerning article 9 of the Covenant, approximately 300 political detainees who had been released were not required to report to the police on a daily basis and that there were no political prisoners in the Sudan at present. 512. that and was With reference to article 10 of the Covenant, the representative in December 1990. a multinational mission had visited Sudanese had concluded that prison conditions were not inhumane and that not practised. said prisons torture 513. In connection with article 14 of the Covenant, the representative said that the special courts were normally composed of three members of the military or other persons of integrity and competence and had jurisdiction Their decisions over crimes related to drug trafficking and economic crimes. could be appealed before the Chairman of the Supreme Court* 514. With reference to article 18 of the Covenant, the representative, noting that the crime of apostasy was punishable by death, explained that Islam should not only be seen as a religion but as a complete set of precepts for Persons committing apostasy therefore were a danger private and public life. to the fabric of society and could be compared to traitors in countries with a different legislation. Islamic movements in a number of countries had sought to eliminate from their legislation all provisions contrary to Islamic law. 515. Referring representative to questions regarding said that no academics articles 21 and 22 of the Covenant, the had been dismissed by the Government. 516. Replying to questions concerning article 25 of representative explained that government officials without benefits on the basis of a decision by the Council for National Salvation. In most cases they the Covenant, the could be dismissed with Revolutionary Command were granted benefits. or 517. In concluding the consideration of the initial report of the Sudan, members of the Committee expressed appreciation for the frankness and directness with which the delegation had replied to their questions. In connection with the priority given to Islamic law in the Sudan, members were of the view that Islam was a progressive religion that did not pose an obstacle to the implementation of the Covenant in Islamic countries. They pointed out that in many States in the Islamic world had participated in the drafting of the Covenant and that if certain of its provisions had been deemed irreconcilable with Islamic law, States could have entered reservations, Furthermore, although a State might defend its culture and national religion, in doing. SO, it could not deviate from the fundamental common values elaborated in the Covenant, which were aimed at the development of the individual and which were applicable to the entire international community. 8th values, moreover, should be reflected in domestic legislation. At the same time, members considered that it would be possible for the Sudanese authorities and the Committee together to find a way to reconcile the Sudan’s -127-