SJS condemns Military Authorities’ arrest of Journalist Emtithal Abdel Fadil in Kassala
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemned the arrest of (Al-Jareeda) newspaper journalist, Emtithal Abdel Fadil by military authorities in the eastern city of Kassala last Saturday, and her detention for three days pending investigation.
The Freedoms Secretariat of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate shared in a statement regarding the journalist’s arrest and travel ban that this arbitrary arrest and the accompanying repressive measures constitute a flagrant violation of freedom of the press, guaranteed by the constitution, laws, and international treaties. It also aims to intimidate journalists, silence free speech, and undermine the role of journalism.
The Journalists Syndicate strongly condemned the serious violations the journalist was subjected to from the moment of her arrest at 5:00 a.m, while en route to Port Sudan. These violations included blindfolding, arbitrarily searching her phone and personal accounts, in addition to a three-day detention. She was then released on an unjust pledge that restricted her movement and prevented her from leaving the city.
The Freedoms Secretariat views these measures as a blatant repression of press freedom and an unjust violation of the law. Based on the aforementioned, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate called on the relevant security authorities to immediately terminate all pledges and lift restrictions imposed on the colleague, Emtithal Abdel Fadil, and guarantee her right to practice journalistic duties freely and safely.
The Syndicate reiterated its demand to halt all forms of harassment and violations against journalists, to respect press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy and the public’s right to access information.
