Sudanese attack photojournalist Ibrahim Nugdallah in Cairo

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemned the brutal attack on Syndicate member, Ibrahim Nugdallah by a group of Sudanese ‘thugs’ in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, early Wednesday morning.

In a statement, the Syndicate emphasized its strong condemnation of the use of violence as a means of managing differences of opinion. The (SJS) noted as well that colleague, Ibrahim Nugdallah sustained deep wounds and bruises throughout his body as a result of the attack carried out by a person who had previously been his companion in mass demonstrations as well as his roommate in Sudan. However, following the outbreak of the ongoing war, he became a supporter of the war, while Ibrahim adopted a civil stance in rejection.

The Journalists Syndicate added that this attack comes amidst a misleading propaganda campaign launched by the pro-war camp, targeting civilian forces opposed to the war by demonizing them and falsely accusing them of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in an attempt to justify the violence against them.

The Sudanese Syndicate went on to describe the incident as unfortunate, particularly given that it comes amidst the intense political and social polarization the country is experiencing as a result of the repercussions of the (April 15th) War. The latter has deeply impacted the social fabric of the country’s citizens, foreshadowing a catastrophe that threatens social cohesion to an unprecedented degree in the country’s history.

Furthermore, the Syndicate warned against exploiting hatred and called on all stakeholders as well as community actors to pay attention to and consider the social impacts of the war, to work to prevent and address them.

The (SJS) called on the international community and institutions concerned with press freedom and human rights, foremost among them, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), to take concrete steps to protect Sudanese journalists, ensure their safety, and counter any attempts to terrorize them.

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate warned against the continued utilization of hate speech amongst Sudanese citizens based on their positions on the war and called for the adherence to dialogue as the only means of resolving disputes between civilians, far removed from incitement and violence.

The Syndicate held the aggressor and the Sudanese ‘thugs’ he enlisted fully responsible for what happened to colleague, Ibrahim Nugdallah, and affirmed that it will take all possible legal measures to hold them accountable and ensure they don’t escape punishment.