PORT SUDAN – Sudanese prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for 47 people, including journalists, newspaper editors and media figures, according to official documents reviewed by Sudan Now, in connection with criminal complaints whose details have not been disclosed.
The documents show that the Red Sea State Cybercrime Prosecution Office issued the warrants under Article 78 of Sudan’s 1991 Criminal Procedure Act in relation to alleged offences under the Cybercrime Act. Those named were instructed to surrender to the nearest police station within one week of publication, while the public was asked to assist authorities in apprehending anyone who fails to comply.
The list includes several well-known media figures, among them Mohamed Abdel Gader, Ahmed Youssef Al-Tay, Sabri Al-Aikoura and Ghada Abdel Hadi, along with other journalists, editors and commentators.
Neither the Public Prosecution nor any other government authority has issued a statement explaining the nature of the complaints or the allegations against those named. Sudan Now was unable to obtain immediate comment from the individuals listed in the warrants.
The move comes amid growing concern over press freedom in Sudan. The U.N. Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has reported a sharp deterioration in the media environment since the outbreak of the conflict, documenting arbitrary arrests, detention, threats and attacks against journalists, as well as the closure of media outlets and broad restrictions on access to information.
Since fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, Sudanese and international press freedom organizations have documented the killing, injury, detention and displacement of dozens of journalists and media workers, while repeatedly calling for greater protection of journalists and respect for freedom of the press.
