CPJ calls for investigation into killing of Sudanese journalist
New York, October 12, 2023 – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Sudanese authorities to thoroughly investigate the October 10 killing of journalist Halima Idris Salim.
Salim, a reporter for the local independent online news outlet Sudan Bukra, was covering the conflict in her hometown of Omdurman, Sudan, when she was killed.
According to reports from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate and a local journalist familiar with the case, Salim was struck by a vehicle operated by soldiers from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
CPJ, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan to respect the press and ensure safety of journalists.
CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, Sherif Mansour, expressed shock and sympathy for Salim’s family and colleagues.
Mansour emphasized the importance of press freedom and journalist safety, even in the midst of conflict.
“It is deeply troubling that a journalist was killed during her coverage of the armed conflict in her hometown. All parties of the conflict in Sudan must respect freedom of the press and journalist safety,” Mansour said.
The killing of Salim underscores the need for immediate action to protect journalists working in conflict zones, CPJ noted, further calling on Sudanese authorities to launch a transparent and impartial investigation into this incident and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“The international community and all parties involved in the Sudanese conflict must also respect press freedom and the safety of journalists. The protection of journalists is essential to ensuring that the public receives vital information and that the media can fulfill its vital role in democracy,” it stressed.
CPJ is a New York-based non-governmental body that promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists. Since the late 1980s, the organization has been publishing an annual census of journalist killed or imprisoned for their work.
(ST)