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Sudan Tribune

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Sudan 2nd VP security detail rough up BBC crew in New York

September 29, 2008 (WASHINGTON) – The security team accompanying Sudan 2nd Vice President Ali Osman Taha in New York scuffled with television crew from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Arabic TV last week, a UN diplomat told Sudan Tribune today.

BBC presenter Luqman Ahmed (Al-Arabiya TV)
BBC presenter Luqman Ahmed (Al-Arabiya TV)
The incident happened following an interview by BBC presenter Luqman Ahmed with Taha as he was leaving. An aide to Taha got into an argument with the BBC staff raising objections about his conduct during the interview.

The UN diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity said that Taha’s aide accused Ahmed of disrespecting the Sudanese Vice President and forcefully confiscated the tapes before destroying them.

Taha lead Sudan’s delegation to the UN General Assembly meetings amid a looming arrest warrant for his boss Omer Hassan Al-Bashir by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to the UN official the BBC Taha was later made aware of the incident after which he apologized for it and conducted a new interview that was aired last week.

However it remains unclear what questions that caused the outrage by Taha’s entourage.

In 2005 Sudanese security officers manhandled officials and reporters travelling with the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Khartoum later apologized to Rice over the incident.

(ST)

4 Comments

  • Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy
    Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy

    Sudan 2nd VP security detail rough up BBC crew in New York
    What a crazy man,hey Taha show respect so that you will be respected otherwise acting like a dog who never understand himself whether he is a visitor or not is a bad spirit,therefore i would suggest that although the reason for the arguemnt was not indicated,but personal i would agree that Mr Taha and his bloody terrorist behaviours was not familiar with any question about the their genocide in Durfur,and Taha by himself will never expect anyone to ask him about his role of organising the militias,and even the statements (orders) which were released by his hero al bashir,for instance right now in khartoum you will never have to say anything about al bashir master Ocampo,it’s like putting yourself into a fire.But comard it is too late althought you keep wondering around for your criminal charges to be removed from ICC,nothing is going to be done only criminals to hell,eventually what i would expect is that Mr Taha has done better by going to USA for an easy arrest and his boss will be pick up at any time when he is needed by master Ocampo

    Reply
  • Mr Point
    Mr Point

    Sudan’s constitution allows free press?
    The aide who roughed up the BBC news reporter was not used to the questions asked by a free press in a free land. No matter what is in the Sudan constitution.

    Mr Taha apologized for his aide.

    When has Taha made public apology in the past?

    Reply
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