Sudanese military intelligence arrests journalist

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) reported the arrest of journalist Siddiq Dalay by military intelligence in Damazin, Blue Nile state, on Tuesday

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate stated that military intelligence arrested journalist Siddiq Dalay in the city of Damazin, Blue Nile region, on Monday. The syndicate strongly condemned Dalay’s arrest, holding military intelligence responsible for his safety and security, and demanded his immediate unconditional release.

The syndicate warned both sides of the armed conflict in Sudan about the dangers of escalating violations of journalists’ rights, targeting them, and using arrest as a method to silence, intimidate, and terrorize them.

It confirmed that the situation of press and media freedom and freedom of expression in the country has been worsening day by day since the outbreak of the war on April 15 last year.

An increase in violations of various and multiple levels against journalists has been observed, with 39 journalists, including five female journalists, arrested or stopped by both sides of the armed conflict in Sudan.

Furthermore, the Governor of Khartoum State issued an emergency order prohibiting the publication of any confidential information related to the country’s security or the regular forces’ plans and military movements, which could serve the enemy, according to the order.

The order also bans the publication of any content that could demoralize the regular forces and boost the enemy’s morale.

It prohibits the transfer or publication of any discussions around the operations of the regular forces and the spreading of rumours that negatively impact and diminish the state’s prestige. It also bans the publication or preparation of any material that could harm national security and the national economy.

The order restricts commenting on investigations, inquiries, or trials until they have been finally adjudicated. The acting Governor of Khartoum State issued an emergency order on Monday, prohibiting curfews and closing commercial stores, cafes, or any other activities during certain hours of the night.

On May 2, the Governor of Khartoum declared a state of emergency and decided to form a security cell to monitor the social movements of the Rapid Support Forces bases, among other tasks.

This decision came a day after the chairman of the Sovereignty Council and the army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, approved a recommendation from Khartoum State to declare an emergency and deal with foreigners.