Harassment of journalists and rights defenders in Sudan

November 5, 2007 — SOAT is deeply concerned about the harassment of three journalists and human rights defenders by the authorities in Khartoum. On November 4, Faisal al-Bagir, Lemia el-Jaili Abu Bakr and Sabah Mohamed Adam received a written summons ordering them to report to the offices of the political section of the National Security Service (NSS) in Khartoum North the following day. On November 5 they presented themselves at the offices and were held there from 9am until 3.40pm without being offered any explanation. Security officers ordered them to return again the following morning, claiming that this was necessary because investigations into their case were still ongoing.

Faisal al-Bagir is a member of SOAT’s network in Sudan and a correspondent for Reporters Sans Frontieres, and has been subject to harassment and detention by the Sudanese authorities in the past. Sabah Mohamed Adam works for the daily newspaper al-Ayyam, which has faced frequent censorship. Lemia el-Jaili Abu Bakr works with the Khartoum Centre for Human Rights.

SOAT calls upon the Sudanese authorities to cease the harassment of journalists and human rights defenders and to respect human rights, including freedom of expression, in accordance with its constitutional obligations and international standards.

Michael Farquhar
Campaigner
Sudan Organisation Against Torture
Argo House
Kilburn Park Road
London
NW6 5LF
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7625 8055
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7372 2656
Website: www.soatsudan.org