Sudanese Journalists Syndicate: Demands Release of Ataf Mukhtar in Egypt

• Sudanese journalist Ataf Mohamed Mukhtar, editor-in-chief of Al-Sudani newspaper, was detained by Egyptian security forces from his Cairo residence.
• His current location remains unknown to his family and colleagues following his arrest last Tuesday.
• The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate issued a statement on September 12, 2026, demanding his immediate release, disclosure of detention reasons, and access to legal counsel and family.
• Mukhtar, who sought refuge in Egypt from the Sudanese war, is known for criticizing the UAE's alleged role in supporting the Rapid Support Forces.
• The syndicate continues to engage with Egyptian authorities to ascertain his status and secure his release, emphasizing respect for Egyptian law while demanding legal clarity.

This incident highlights potential risks of arbitrary detention and due process violations for foreign journalists and critics in Egypt.

Egyptian security forces apprehended Sudanese journalist Ataf Mohamed Mukhtar, the editor-in-chief of Al-Sudani newspaper, from his residence in Cairo. The arrest occurred last Tuesday, with his current whereabouts remaining undisclosed to his family and colleagues. This development has prompted significant concern from press freedom advocates.

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate issued a statement on Saturday, September 12, 2026, urgently calling on Egyptian authorities to release Mr. Mukhtar without delay. The syndicate also demanded transparency regarding the reasons for his continued detention and insisted that he be granted immediate access to both his family and legal counsel, in accordance with established legal principles. The case of Ataf Mohamed Mukhtar's detention in Egypt has drawn international attention to the plight of foreign journalists operating in the region.

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, while affirming its respect for the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt, has reiterated its demand for a clear explanation of Mr. Mukhtar's legal status. The organization emphasized the critical need for authorities to disclose the specific grounds for his ongoing detention and to facilitate communication between him, his family, and his lawyer. The lack of information regarding his location and the reasons for his arrest raises serious questions about due process.

Since learning of the journalist's detention, the syndicate has maintained continuous communication with relevant Egyptian authorities. These ongoing efforts are aimed at ascertaining his well-being and working towards his prompt release. The syndicate's statement underscores the importance of upholding the rights of detained journalists, including the fundamental right to legal representation and contact with loved ones.

Ataf Mohamed Mukhtar had sought refuge in Egypt, having been displaced from Sudan due to the ongoing conflict in his home country. He is known for his critical commentary regarding the United Arab Emirates' alleged involvement in the Sudanese war, specifically accusing the UAE of providing support and backing to the Rapid Support Forces. This critical stance on regional political dynamics is seen as a potential factor in his detention.

This incident highlights potential risks of arbitrary detention and due process violations for foreign journalists and critics in Egypt. The ongoing detention of Ataf Mohamed Mukhtar, coupled with the lack of transparency surrounding his case, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those reporting on sensitive political issues in the region. Lawyers advising media organizations or foreign nationals in Egypt should closely monitor such cases to understand the evolving landscape of press freedom and legal protections, particularly concerning individuals critical of regional political dynamics.

This case highlights potential risks of arbitrary detention and due process violations for foreign journalists and critics in Egypt. Lawyers advising media organizations or foreign nationals in Egypt should monitor such cases to understand the evolving landscape of press freedom and legal protections, particularly concerning individuals critical of regional political dynamics.

Source: Original reporting via Al-Sudani newspaper