Arabic Network call on Sudan to respect journalists’ rights

Yesterday, the Sudanese Court heard witnesses for the prosecution, in the case where seven Darfurians are accused of collaborating with Radio Dabanga. The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, following the continuation of the trial, said in a statement, that freedom of press and media has continued to deteriorate, in Sudan. The Network asserts, that the authorities have always exercised repression, violence and confiscation, where press and media are concerned.The Network demands, that the international community and relevant organizations rise to defend freedom of opinion and expression, in Sudan. They call on the international community, to raise this issue with the the Sudanese authorities, to ensure these freedoms of opinion and expression, and to stop arresting journalists and media activists.

The prosecution claims, that Radio Dabanga is set out to embarrass the Sudanese state, in the face of the international community. The defendants are Abdelrahman Adam, Jaafar Sabki, Kauwthar Abdulhaq, Zachariah Jacob, Adam Alnur, Abdul Rahman Qasim, and Khalid Ishaq.

The prosecution witnesses, that were heard today, all work for the National Intelligence and Security Services. Next week, on the 14th of August, the court will hear three more witnesses for the prosecution, alledgedly also members of the Security Service.