Sudan Shield Militia Arrests Journalist Ar Rayah Jeksa

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) announced the arrest of journalist, Ar-Rayah Essam Jeksa by the “Sudan Shield” militia -loyal to and fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)- in Al Jazeera state. The Syndicate condemned the arrest, considering it a blatant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a flagrant violation of international conventions guaranteeing freedom of the press.

In a statement, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate shared that, according to the available information, a security force belonging to the “Sudan Shield” militia stopped their colleague Ar-Rayah Essam on Sunday at the entrance to the city of Wad Medani, as he was returning from a journalistic assignment at the Faculty of Education, Gezira University, in “Al-Hasahisa.” He was forcibly removed from the vehicle he was traveling in and taken to an unknown location, his fate, moreover, remains unknown.

According to the (SJS), the arrest and harassment of journalists by armed militias affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces constitutes an extremely dangerous and unacceptable phenomena. It threatens the very basis of facts disclosure and the dissemination of information, for it aims to suppress the role of the press in documenting events by intimidating the journalists.

Furthermore, the Syndicate held the “Sudan Shield” militia fully responsible for the safety of journalist Ar-Rayeh Essam and for any physical or psychological harm that may befall him as a result of his arrest. The Syndicate hence demanded the militia -immediately- disclose his whereabouts and provide him with all necessary protection as a journalist performing his professional duties.

The Syndicate further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ar-Rayeh and an end to all intimidation and harassment against him. It called on all relevant authorities, including Security and Judicial bodies, to intervene urgently to secure his release and ensure that such practices are not repeated. In conclusion, the (SJS) emphasized that such an abduction represents part of an escalating pattern of documented violations against journalists.