Sudanese security agents have released a journalist for the London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat after being detained for six days in Khartoum without charges, the journalists’ union said.
Al-Nur Ahmad al-Nur, who is also an editorial adviser for Sudanese daily Al-Taghyeer, went home after being freed on Wednesday night.
Agents of the National Intelligence and Security Services arrested Nur last Thursday on Khartoum’s Mek Nimir Street.
In statements in Khartoum, the head of the Sudanese Journalists’ Union El Saidiq El Ruzeiqi confirmed that Nur had been freed. He also commended the security agents for their response to the petition filed recently by the Union on the release of El Nur.
El Sadiq stressed that the judiciary should be the only channel to resolve press and publication issues, adding that resorting to the law would promote freedom of the press and expression.
For his part, El Nur commended the great efforts exerted by the journalists’ union to secure his release. He also thanked the union for its continuous support of journalists during challenges.
Journalists and rights bodies had held a sit-in at the Press and Publications Council in Khartoum on Monday calling for El Nur’s release and more press freedoms.
Sudan ranks near the bottom of press freedom at 172 out of 180 of countries, according to the Reporters Without Borders 2014 World Press Freedom Index.
Related:
Protest against detention of journalist in Sudan’s capital
File photo: A journalist holding a banner with the words “Kill Me .. Dont Violate My Freedom” (sudanwhrds.wordpress.com)