September 25, Port Sudan — On Wednesday, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate announced the death of Othman Al-Tahir, who worked as a driver for the Sudanese radio, inside the detention centers of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Syndicate said in a statement that Al-Tahir died ten days ago, but his family was not notified until Tuesday. The RSF had been detaining him for six months while he was suffering from diabetes.
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate said they held “the Rapid Support Forces fully accountable for the killing of Othman Al-Tahir inside its detention centers in a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.” They called for the RSF to reveal the circumstances of Al-Tahir’s death.
They also stressed that freedom of the press is under serious threat and called on local, regional and international organizations to protect journalists and pressure the RSF to release the rest of the civilians in their detention centers. 438 violations against journalists have been documented since the outbreak of war in Sudan.