Reporters Without Borders has requested Egyptian authorities to stop the deportation of four Sudanese journalists detained in September. The organization argues that the journalists face grave dangers should they be returned to Sudan, highlighting the treacherous conditions for media professionals in the conflict-ridden country. The journalists currently hold UNHCR temporary asylum status while navigating a precarious legal system in Egypt.
International advocacy group Reporters Without Borders has issued a plea for the Egyptian authorities to cease the impending deportation of four Sudanese journalists arrested in September. Currently held at a refugee center in Aswan, close to the border with Sudan, these journalists have been involved in documenting issues of human rights and conflict in their home country. As Reporters Without Borders highlights, the situation for journalists in Sudan remains perilous, passing severe risks upon their return. The group calls for their immediate release and protection, emphasizing that their detention, which followed their arrest while conducting an interview with human rights defender Mohamed Hassan Bouchi, creates substantial concerns about their safety, as they are already recognized as temporary asylum seekers by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The plight of the four detained Sudanese journalists stems from the larger context of war and repression in Sudan, where journalists are subjected to violence and intimidation. Following their arrest on September 23, the journalists have faced an uncertain legal journey characterized by erratic judicial processes. With temporary asylum seeker registrations, they sought refuge from the turmoil in Sudan but now find themselves at risk of deportation to a country where they would face severe reprisals. The recent escalation of conflict, particularly between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, has gravely compromised media freedoms, with many outlets suffering attacks and closures since early 2023.
In summary, the urgent call by Reporters Without Borders reflects the critical circumstances surrounding the detained Sudanese journalists in Egypt. Their imminent deportation poses not only a moral and legal dilemma but also a significant risk to their lives, given the dangerous environment for journalists in Sudan. The situation underscores the ongoing struggles for press freedom in both countries, with cohesive advocacy needed to ensure their safety and the protection of journalism as a profession.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
