Sudan journalists union condemns detention of reporter by intelligence services

April 1 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate on Wednesday condemned the violations and arbitrary practices against journalist Miah al-Nil Mubarak by members of the General Intelligence Service in the Jebel Awliya locality, south of Khartoum.

Earlier this year, the syndicate documented 67 cases of violations against journalists during the past year. It described the deterioration of press freedom as “dangerous,” particularly as the armed conflict enters its third consecutive year.

The syndicate stated in a press release that Mubarak was detained while covering intermediate school examinations at a school in the Jebel Awliya area. She was taken to an interrogation room and subjected to a strip search, and her mobile phone and personal bag were searched during a 12-hour detention.

The journalist faced accusations, including filming to “provide coordinates” to target the school and forging her press card. A case of impersonation was opened against her despite presenting professional documents, and she was questioned regarding her personal life and tribal affiliation.

The statement described these practices as a blatant abuse of power and a flagrant violation of constitutional rights and privacy. It noted that the accusations against her pose a direct threat to her life.

The syndicate called for an urgent and transparent investigation to hold those involved accountable. It urged security authorities to respect press credentials and demanded a circular prohibiting the search of journalists’ personal phones without a judicial warrant.