Sudanese Journalists Network condemns arrests, detentions

The Sudanese Journalists Network has issued a harsh statement condemning the ongoing arrest and detention of reporters, and the targeting of the press.

On Tuesday, agents of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) arrested journalist Haji Abdelrahman El Moz of Akhbar El Yowm daily newspaper without explanation.

He joins Kamal Karrar and Amal Habani who were arrested during their coverage of the peaceful march in Khartoum on January 16 and a journalist of El Jareeda newspaper Ahmed Jadein in the peaceful protest in Khartoum North on January 31.

Yesterday the Network of Sudanese journalists condemned in a statement the arrest of journalists, demanded their immediate release and stop of targeting the press.

Press targeted

In January, the Sudanese authorities confiscated more than one edition of at least four newspapers.

Freelance journalist Habani and El Midan correspondent Karrar were held on January 16 and have been held by the NISS without providing details about their detention. Radio Dabanga reported earlier that Habani was allegedly hit with an electric baton during an interrogation.

Many other journalists, including correspondents of Reuters and AFP, who were detained while covering anti-price hikes protests in the past few weeks have been released.

Sudan ranks 174th out of 180 countries in RSF’s World Press Freedom Index.