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On August 3, 2026, Sudanese journalist Riad Isam Jaks was detained by a force affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces at the entrance of Wad Madani city in Al-Jazirah State while returning from a journalistic assignment.

The detention is significant for practitioners as it highlights the escalating violations against journalists in Sudan since the outbreak of war, amidst documentation by press and human rights organizations of cases of killing, arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, and attacks on journalists and media institutions. The incident also underscores the ongoing armed conflict and the erosion of guarantees related to freedom of the press and the safety of those working in the media.

The relevant legal context is the Sudanese Constitution, which enshrines freedom of expression and the press, as well as international human rights instruments that guarantee these freedoms. However, the practical application of these guarantees has been compromised by the ongoing conflict and the actions of armed groups. The Sudanese Armed Forces have a responsibility to protect journalists and ensure their safety while carrying out their duties.

The key parties involved in this incident are the Sudanese Armed Forces, the journalist Riad Isam Jaks, and the press union that has condemned his detention. Practitioners should be aware of the escalating threats against journalists in Sudan and the need for greater protection and guarantees for freedom of expression and the press.

Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses should monitor developments related to the safety of journalists and the erosion of guarantees related to freedom of the press in Sudan, and consider advocating for greater protections and safeguards for these fundamental rights.