Skyline Condemns Blatant Attack on Reuters Photojournalist Al-Tayeb Siddiq in Sudan, Calls for Immediate Action

Skyline International Foundation for Human Rights condemns the blatant attack on Reuters photojournalist Al-Tayeb Siddiq, who was beaten and insulted by members of the Judicial Police in the city of Al-Damer, Nile State, before being ordered to the offices of the General Intelligence Service on Thursday, August 31, 2023, to review his photos in front of the court headquarters in Al-Damer, and forced to delete them without clear reasons or legal justification.

In a statement released today (Sunday), Skyline expresses its deep shock over the blatant attack on Reuters photojournalist Al-Tayeb Siddiq, who was beaten and insulted by members of the Criminal Investigation Department in the city of Al-Damer in Nile State.

Skyline denounces all forms of violations to which journalists are subjected during their work, as is the case in all states, clearly taking advantage of wartime conditions and obstructing the work of judicial authorities by violating the law and the rights of innocent people. It believes that this “immoral” behavior and offensive treatment show the extent to which the authorities act against journalists without respecting the recognized legal procedures.

"The assault on a photojournalist and the forced deletion of his work without proper legal justification goes against the principles of freedom of expression, human rights, and the protection of journalists. Such actions undermine the fundamental values and obligations enshrined in international law", says Skyline .

Skyline International Foundation for Human Rights vehemently condemns the egregious assault on photojournalist Al-Tayeb Siddiq, carried out by members of the Judicial Police. This brazen act of violence and the subsequent coercion to delete his photos without any legitimate reason or legal justification is a flagrant violation of international law. The Foundation firmly believes in upholding the principles of press freedom, human rights, and the protection of journalists, and this reprehensible incident stands in direct contradiction to these fundamental values.

Such actions, including the physical assault, insults, and forced deletion of journalistic work, not only undermine the right to freedom of expression but also disregard the rights to life, security, and privacy. Skyline International Foundation emphasizes that these acts are unequivocally prohibited and illegal from a human rights perspective.

Concluding its statement, Skyline International Foundation urgently calls upon the Sudanese authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident. The Foundation urges them to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous attack, ensuring that they face the full force of the law. It is imperative that the authorities take immediate steps to guarantee the safety and protection of journalists operating within Sudan, safeguarding their vital role in upholding democratic values and promoting transparency. Skyline International Foundation stands in solidarity with Al-Tayeb Siddiq and reiterates its commitment to defending press freedom and human rights worldwide.