Sudanese journalist Siraj detained again

Journalist Ibrahim Bagal Siraj, released just one week ago, was detained again on Sunday by the authorities in North Darfur. He has been moved to prison in El Fasher.

His lawyer Mohamed El Nur Abakar informed Radio Dabanga yesterday that they were surprised by the re-arrest of Siraj. “We were waiting for the final decision of the prosecutor’s office of North Darfur, either to drop the charges or to refer his case to the court for adjudication.”

Siraj was released on 4 April after 55 days in prison. He believes that his articles in which he criticises the performance of Governor Abdel Wahid Yousif and state issues led to his detention. Complaints filed against him were relegated to crimes against the state, opposing the state, and inciting tribal sedition.

His release resulted from a lack of evidence against, and the fact that the criminal articles upon his case do not apply to journalists, Siraj told Radio Dabanga last week.

His lawyer said that they exerted pressure on the bailor to withdraw his bail, which is still valid for his release. Siraj is held in custody at Shala prison.