Journalists’ Union Highlits Violations Against Journalists and Pledges to Pursue Their Killers

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon
The Sudanese Journalists’ Union pledged to protect the dignity and fundamental rights of journalists, condemning “all forms of violence and intimidation aimed at silencing voices and stifling the truth” and affirming its “categorical rejection of murder and violence against journalists.”
The union emphasized that “there will be no immunity for any individual or entity involved in crimes against journalists. Justice and accountability are essential to ensure press freedom and protect it from all forms of violations.”
In a press statement issued on Saturday, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed on November 2, the union stated that “a free press is not only a cornerstone of democracy but an inherent and sacred human right that must not be violated or restricted under any circumstances.”
The statement noted that since the outbreak of war in Sudan on April 15, 2023, violations against journalists have escalated to unprecedented levels, necessitating action from relevant authorities, both locally and internationally, to hold perpetrators accountable and provide necessary protection for journalists who risk their lives to deliver the truth.
The statement reported that by documenting violations faced by journalists during the war, the union recorded the deaths of 13 journalists, including two female journalists. Eleven journalists, including three female journalists, faced physical assaults and injuries, along with one instance of sexual assault. Additionally, 30 journalists, including 10 female journalists, were subjected to gunfire and shelling, resulting in the deaths of 15 of their family members and significant damage to their homes.
The union reported 60 cases of kidnapping and forced detention, including nine female journalists, along with six arbitrary reports that hindered journalists’ work and restricted their movement. There were 58 cases of personal threats, 26 of which targeted female journalists, and 27 instances of physical assault and property theft, three of which affected female journalists. The union affirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for crimes against journalists and taking all legal measures to achieve justice, stressing that these crimes require impartial investigations and transparent trials to ensure justice for victims and their families and to provide the necessary deterrence to prevent future brutal attacks.
The Sudanese Journalists’ Union issued an urgent appeal to regional and international entities concerned with preserving press freedom to support efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and protect Sudanese journalists from imminent dangers, enabling them to fulfil their mission of delivering the truth to the world.