Sudan releases 11 journalists detained while covering protests

The Sudanese security services have released 11 journalists who were arrested while covering the country’s anti-government protests.

The release came days after Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir pledged to release all journalists jailed during the anti- government protests, a move aimed at easing public anger.

The Sudanese Media Centre – which remains loyal to the government – reported on Saturday evening that the security services have released the detained journalists in line with Al-Bashir’s decision.

The centre said the released journalists include Iman Osman, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Midan, the daily owned by the Sudanese Communist Party.

Deputy Chairman of the pro-government Sudan Journalists Union (SJU), Mohamed Al-Fatih, praised the Sudanese authorities’ decision to release the journalists, hailing it as a step towards respecting the profession which would lead to stability and which serves the country’s interests.

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