The Sudanese Journalists’ Union has reported the arrest of journalist Al-Reih Essam Jaksa in Al Jazira state, while the Sudan Shield Forces said he was detained over alleged national security-related offences and transferred to the relevant security authorities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Sudan Shield Forces said one of its checkpoints in Al Jazira had detained a person wanted in connection with national security cases. It said the arrest was carried out under legal procedures and that the detainee was handed over to the specialised security cell.
The statement came in response to an announcement by the Sudanese Journalists’ Union on Monday, which said Jaksa was detained while returning from a reporting assignment at the University of Al Jazira’s Faculty of Education in Al Hasahisa.
According to the union, Jaksa was forcibly removed from the vehicle in which he was travelling and taken to an undisclosed location. It said his whereabouts and condition remained unknown.
The Sudan Shield Forces disputed reports that the detention was linked to his work as a journalist. It said it respected professional media work and remained committed to applying the law and coordinating with the relevant authorities.
The force did not provide further details about the accusations against Jaksa, his current place of detention or whether he had been formally charged.
