Journalist Abdul Jalil Mohamed Abdul Jalil Kidnapped

A military force in Kassala kidnapped journalist Abdul Jalil Mohamed Abdul Jalil, taking him to an unknown location. His phone was confiscated, and he was prevented from informing his family, taking his medication, or contacting his lawyer.

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) announced the mysterious disappearance of journalist Abdul Jalil Mohamed Abdul Jalil.

In a statement, the Syndicate shared that its following with deep concern the ongoing reports about the mysterious disappearance of prominent journalist Abdul Jalil Mohamed Abdul Jalil since Sunday afternoon, (May 25th, 2025). He was forcibly taken from his home in Kassala in a manner that violates the most basic standards of legal procedure, without any formal charges or judicial arrest warrant, according to his family.

Abdul Jalil Mohamed was taken in a manner resembling a kidnapping, according to his family. As he wasn’t given the opportunity to inform his family, take his medication, or communicate with his lawyer. His phone was confiscated and he was prevented from communicating with anyone until unofficial reports emerged that he had been arrested for his journalistic writings addressing suspicions of corruption in the Hajj and Umrah file. These writings reportedly upset the Deputy Governor of Kassala, according to a statement issued by his family.

The (SJS) considered the behavior a blatant assault on freedom of the press and expression, a violation of international covenants and agreements to which the Sudanese State has committed. It held the executive authorities in Kassala State —primarily the Deputy Governor along with the acting Minister of Social Affairs— fully responsible for the safety and fate of journalist Abdul Jalil.

The Sudanese Syndicate called for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Abdul Jalil Mohammed Abdul Jalil, for an urgent and impartial investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and detention. The Syndicate also called for those responsible for this incident to be held accountable, as well as all individuals who exploited their executive position to settle personal scores with a journalist.

Moreover, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate urged all local and international organizations concerned with freedom of expression to show solidarity and exert pressure to stop these repressive practices, in an effort to emphasize that journalism isn’t a crime, and that freedom of expression shouldn’t be met with brutally, but rather transparency, truth, and the law.