Kosti, October 26 (Darfur24)
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has condemned what it described as restrictions on journalists in White Nile State, including repeated security summons and criminal proceedings linked to their work, and called for the immediate release of detained journalist Rasha Hassan.
In a statement on Sunday, the syndicate said journalists Rashid Oshi and Sawsan Mohamed Osman were repeatedly summoned to the security cell headquarters in Kosti every Thursday.
The union described the summonses as a form of intimidation that undermines journalistic independence and threatens journalists carrying out their professional and watchdog roles.
It rejected the use of military ranks, administrative positions or security influence to pressure journalists, stressing that authorities should not restrict press activities or repeatedly summon reporters without legal safeguards.
The syndicate also condemned the arrest of journalist Rasha Hassan following a complaint related to a report filed by the principal of a school in Al-Qutaynah. The report examined students’ educational aspirations and concerns over rising school fees.
The union said reporting on education, tuition fees and the challenges facing students and parents was part of the press’s watchdog role and the public’s right to information.
It called for disputes arising from journalistic publications to be handled in accordance with the law, with respect for freedom of expression and due process.
The syndicate warned that repeated security summonses and criminal proceedings related to publishing could endanger journalists’ safety and independence, encourage self-censorship and prevent the public from accessing information about everyday concerns and basic rights.
