The Rapid Support Forces Arrest a Photographer

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Sudanese Journalists Union Condemns Rapid Support Forces Arresting a Photographer; Vows to Combat Journalist Silencing

The Sudanese Journalists Union condemned the arrest of Sudan TV photographer Abdel Aziz Mahmoud by a Rapid Support Forces unit.

The union clarified that the force forcibly took Abdel Aziz to one of its headquarters in Zalingei, Central Darfur State, on April 30, 2024.

It stated that Abdel Azizs arrest represents a new escalation and persistence in violating the rights of journalists, targeting them, and continuing the Rapid Support Forces violations against journalists.

The Rapid Support Forces were held responsible for his security and safety, and the union demanded his immediate release without conditions.

It reminded that journalist Abdul Rahman Warab remains detained by the Rapid Support Forces in an undisclosed location since April last year.

In a related context, journalist Emad Abdel Hadi faces criminal charges along with 49 others, including political and civil leaders in Nahud city, West Kordofan State, where the state attorney general filed criminal charges under articles related to "crimes against the state, incitement to war, aiding the enemy, and undermining the constitutional system," and arrest warrants were issued against them.

The union warned the competent authorities against using the law as a means to silence, intimidate, and terrorize journalists. It affirmed that it would continue to work against silencing journalists in accordance with the law.

It explained that the state of press freedom and freedom of expression is deteriorating. Since the outbreak of war in Sudan on April 15 last year, the union has observed an increase in violations at various levels against journalists, media institutions, and media workers. This constitutes a violation of freedoms and a blatant encroachment on journalistic work and a clear breach of international and regional laws and charters protecting the media.