Sudanese female journalist may face death sentence for crimes against state

Sudanese journalist and women’s rights activist Wini Omer speaks during an interview in May. Photograph: Stringer/AFP/Getty

A Sudanese female journalist and campaigner for women’s rights could face the death penalty after allegations including prostitution and crimes against the state were made against her.

A Sudanese female journalist and campaigner for women’s rights could face the death penalty after allegations including prostitution and crimes against the state were made against her.

Wini Omar appeared before a public order court in Khartoum on Tuesday, where she faces charges of prostitution and violating public morals.

 She was told that she could also face further charges of spying against the Sudanese government.

Omar’s supporters said she is being targeted because of her human rights work in the country.

Omar told the Guardian: “It’s an attempt to send a message to the other activists, to say: ‘You should be mindful and careful and not to cross the boundaries, we are watching you. And by the law we can arrest you.’ They are trying to make us behave.”