Dozens of journalists killed or injured since outbreak of war in Sudan
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has lamented the killing, injury, harassment and placement of obstacles before the work of Sudanese journalists under the current war that claimed the lives of at least 13 journalists, including two female reporters, since 15 April,2023.
The syndicate is one of two journalists’ organizations operating in the Sudan. The syndicate is leftist leaning while the Journalists Union is pro-right and is dominated by Islamist elements.
The release on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists over human rights violations, underlined that during this war journalists in the country are more and more under pressure and life threatening conditions.
The release, while stressing the need to protect journalists and to work for safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression in the Sudan, pointed out that since the outbreak of war in Sudan, violations against journalists have escalated in an unprecedented manner, which requires the concerned parties, internally and externally, to assume their responsibilities to ensure that the aggressors are held accountable and provide the necessary protection for journalists who risk their lives to convey the truth.
“This Syndicate recorded the killing of 13 male and female journalists, including two female journalists.
Eleven Journalists, including three females, were subjected to physical assaults and injuries, in addition to one case of sexual assault.
Thirty male and female journalists, including 10 females, faced gunfire and shelling, which resulted in the death of 15 of their relatives and severe damage to their homes, “the release explained.
In addition, the Syndicate documented 60 cases of kidnapping and forced detention, including nine female journalists, and six arbitrary arrests that hindered the work of journalists and restricted their movement.
It further documented 58 cases of menace while discharging duty including 26 against female journalists, in addition to 27 cases of physical assault and looting of property, including three against female journalists.
The release said the Syndicate was committed to prosecuting the perpetrators of crimes against journalists and taking all legal measures to achieve justice. These crimes require fair investigations and transparent trials that guarantee justice for the victims and their families and provide the necessary deterrence to prevent the recurrence of these brutal attacks.
“The Syndicate calls on both parties to the conflict to respect international law that guarantees the protection of journalists as civilians and ensures their security and safety while performing their job,” it underlined.
“We are making an urgent appeal to regional and international institutions and organization concerned with protection of press freedom to support our efforts to hold the aggressors accountable and protect Sudanese journalists from the imminent dangers, so that they can carry out their mission of conveying the truth to the world,” The release concluded.
-0-PANA MO/RA 2Nov2024
