Sudan frees Austrian tourist without charges

January 8, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The 20 year old Austrian tourist who had been arrested in Post Sudan last week over allegations of spying by the Sudanese security service is released without charges.

Thomas Hirschvogel, an Austrian tourist was arrested on December 31 by the Sudanese security services while traveling to visit the Red Sea hills from Port Sudan. Hirschvogel was initially charged with violating immigration laws because he did not obtain a travel permit prior to visiting the hills.

“No charges were filed against him,” Austrian Foreign Ministry spokesman Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal said in Vienna, adding the 20-year-old was free to move around and would probably leave the country on his own accord in the near future, the AP reported today.

Thomas said Khartoum ordered the security services in Post Sudan to release him after the publication of his story.

The security services upgraded charges against him to spying when they discovered articles from Sudan Tribune in his bag and he had contacts with the Beja Congress party.

In his last contact with the Sudan Tribune, he said he intended to pursue his tour and travel to Ethiopia through Gadaref state.

Since his first contact, Thomas communicated his blog to Sudan Tribune but for his safety we preferred to not mention it in our newspaper because the security service were not aware of his access to the internet and it was the unique way to communicate with outside world.

However some journalists published his blog without any consideration for his safety and the fact that his live was still at risk because his country wasn’t aware of the detention.

Thomas said he was angered by the publication of his blog by news agencies. Further, his access to the internet was banned immediately after the disclosure of his bolg.

The Austrian tourist said the Sudanese police treated him well and they were friendly, despite his fears about the outcome of the investigations. He added that it was a fruitful experience for him and for his understanding of freedom in troubled states.

Hirschvogel worked for an organization assisting illegal foreigners in Austria.

(ST)