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Sudanese president frees Czech journalist accused of espionage

February 27, 2017 at 2:28 pm

Image of Czech journalist Peter Jacek [Facebook]

Sudan’s President Omar Al-Bashir has ordered the release of Czech journalist Peter Jacek, who was accused of espionage after entering the country illegally. The pardon was announced during the visit to Sudan of Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek.

During a joint press conference, Zaoralek’s counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour said that in consideration of the historical relations between their countries, President Al-Bashir had issued a decree pardoning the Czech citizen. He also expressed his hope that the visit will mark the beginning of special relations.

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“I am very glad that we are able today to conclude the case of Mr Jasek,” said the Czech minister. He noted that there has been a “misunderstanding” in the journalist’s case, but at the same time he expressed appreciation of Bashir’s decision.

The security authorities in Sudan arrested Jasek in October 2015, four days after he entered the country from neighbouring South Sudan. In January, the criminal court in Khartoum convicted him of spying, inciting hatred, entering the country illegally, disseminating false news, taking pictures of military installations and working for an unregistered organisation. He was sentenced to 24 years in jail and fined $15,000.