Detained Sudanese journalist in ‘very poor condition’: brother

The health of journalist Mohamed Ali Mahamado, detained by security forces in Kober Prison, Khartoum North, is deteriorating rapidly, according to his brother. Mustafa Ali Mahamado told Radio Dabanga that he was allowed to visit his brother on 19 November in Kober prison for 15 minutes. Security troops who transported him from the security office, “near the Shendi bus station in Khartoum North to the prison”, returned him immediately after his visit. “They even denied his parents the opportunity to phone him or to provide him food.” The brother was shocked to notice that Mahamado’s physical and mental health had much deteriorated. “He suffers from an ulcer and his weight has dramatically decreased, to the extent that he could not stand on his feet.” According to his brother, Mahamado has been accused of collaborating with the Sudan Revolutionary Front, in particular of phoning the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Minni Minawi. Mahamado’s family is very concerned about his health and is appealing to international human rights and civil society organisations to intervene for his immediate release. Mohamed Ali Mahamado worked for the Akhbar newspaper in Khartoum. He was summoned to appear on 25 September at the security forces premises in Khartoum North and was immediately detained. File photo Related: Health of detained Sudanese journalist deteriorating: Darfur Bar Association (12 November 2013)