Journalist Jafar Elsabky released from prison

The journalist and editor of El Sahafa newspaper, Jafar Elsabky, was released from prison on Sunday. The release followed the presedential decree to release all the journalists who were arrested and awaiting trial. Jafar Elsabky was arrested last year together with 13 other journalists and human rights activists. All were accused of working for Radio Dabanga. Of the arrested journalists and human rights activists, 7 were facing trial. Elsabky is now released, two are released on bail, and 4 are still in prison. It is at this point unclear what the effect of the presidential decree will be on the people released on bail and still in prison accused of working for Radio Dabanga. The defense counsel of the Darfuris who were accused of working for Radio Dabanga welcomed the release of El Sabky. The spokesperson of the defense team, Mohammed Elduma, told Radio Dabanga that the defence considers the release as achieving justice and a first step to returning to the way things were. The defense also appealed for the release of the remaining people who were detained in the same case along with Jafar Elsabky.