Since freedom of the press permits people to freely obtain information and form opinions, it is one of the essential tenets of democracy and human rights.
However, journalists who are dedicated to presenting the truth in the midst of a violent conflict are being disturbingly targeted in Sudan.
One of the flagrant violations that emphasises the severity of the danger facing journalists in Sudan is the murder of Sudanese journalist Hanan Adam and her brother Youssef in the village of Wad Al-Asha in Al-Jazeera State.
Following an attack by the Rapid Support Forces in the rural area of Al-Madina Arab in South Al-Jazeera Locality, Hanan, a correspondent for the Sudanese newspaper Al-Maidan, was killed inside her home along with her brother Youssef.
Fourteen journalists have lost their lives since the Sudanese war began in April of last year, either as a result of the military conflict that totally disregarded the protection of civilians, including journalists, or while carrying out their journalistic duties.
Journalists in Sudan are subjected to a wide range of violations, such as arbitrary detention, torture, threats, sexual assault, targeting newsrooms and offices, and besieging journalists in their front-line workplaces.
Reporters Without Borders and the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate have documented these violations, characterising them as a systematic attempt to impose a media blackout on war crimes in Sudan.
Consequences of attacking journalists
In addition to endangering their lives, targeting journalists severely restricts the flow of information and imposes a media blackout that keeps the truth from being known.
The fact that those who commit crimes against journalists are not held accountable further contributes to a culture of impunity.
When reporters are restricted from doing their jobs freely or are unable to report events objectively, it undermines the public’s right to know and is a blatant violation of their human rights. This complicates matters further.
The murder of journalist Hanan Adam and other crimes against Sudanese journalists constitute grave violations of press freedom and the right to life, necessitating immediate international action to safeguard journalists and hold those responsible for the violations accountable.
Since protecting journalists is not only a matter of human rights but also a necessity to ensure justice, transparency, and accountability for those who commit crimes in armed conflicts, the international community must also exert pressure to create a safe environment where journalists can carry out their work without fear of being killed or repressed.
