Port Sudan, August 13 (Darfur24)
The Port Sudan General Court on Wednesday released Sudanese television photojournalist Abdel Aziz Mahmoud Saleh Arja after acquitting him of charges related to alleged cooperation and espionage with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Arja had been detained for more than a year. His trial began in May, with prosecutors charging him under Articles 50 and 51 of the Penal Code for undermining the constitutional order and inciting war against the state, as well as Article 26 of the Cybercrimes Act.
A relative told Darfur24 that Arja was arrested twice during the war—first by the RSF in Zalingei, Central Darfur, and later by security authorities in Port Sudan, who arrested him upon arrival at the city’s airport.
He was reportedly held for more than four months by the security cell before being transferred to the national prison, where he remained until his trial.
Arja worked as a freelance photographer for Sudan TV in Central Darfur before the war and also collaborated with local television channels and newspapers.
His case comes amid widespread arrests, threats and other violations against journalists since the war began in April 2023. Press freedom and human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns over the prolonged detention of journalists and the use of serious charges, including espionage and undermining the constitutional order.