Sudan Police Detain Journalist Under Information Crimes Law

The Sudanese security forces have detained journalist Qarshi Awad in the state of Blue Nile on August 13, 2026, following a complaint from an official at the Sudanese Intelligence Service under the Computer Crime Act 2007.

This development is significant for practitioners and businesses as it highlights the ongoing concerns regarding restrictions on press freedom in Sudan, particularly the use of laws related to publication and computer crimes to prosecute journalists over published materials or opinions. The detention of Awad comes amidst continued warnings from the Sudanese Journalists' Union about the limitations imposed on journalistic work in Sudan.

The relevant legal framework includes the Computer Crime Act 2007, which has been criticized by the union as restrictive of freedoms. The union has also called for the repeal of this law, citing its infringement on civil and political rights. As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Sudan is obligated to respect individual liberties and freedom of expression.

The key parties involved are the Sudanese security forces, the Sudanese Journalists' Union, and the government of Sudan. Practitioners should monitor this situation closely as it may have implications for press freedom in Sudan and the use of laws related to publication and computer crimes. The union's call for the repeal of the Computer Crime Act 2007 is also noteworthy, highlighting ongoing concerns about restrictions on freedoms in Sudan.