Widespread Criticism After Journalist Calls for Beheading of Satellite Channel Correspondent

Sudanese journalist and Islamic Movement leader, Abdel Majid Abdel Hameed, has come under intense criticism from media professionals and activists after publicly calling on security forces to behead journalist Maha Al-Talib, a correspondent for Asharq Channel. His call came in response to a news report she presented on the ongoing war in Sudan, which included statements from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Incitement and Provocative Questions

In a post on Facebook, Abdel Hameed questioned:

“Who is behind the Asharq Channel correspondent in Sudan?”

He further asked:

“Who is providing her with protection in Port Sudan that allows her to boldly attack the Sudanese people and Army, going as far as reporting news about the rebel gangs and militias with unprecedented audacity?”

He went on to assert:

“In the capital of the country that owns this channel, any journalist who reports even a single line from an opposition figure would be beheaded—let alone broadcasting a statement, live on air, from a rebel group threatening the country’s army with defeat.”

Addressing the General Intelligence Service and the Sudanese Minister of Information, he stated:

“If you heard this report and remained silent, that is a disaster. And if you did not watch or listen, then the disaster is even greater.”

The report in question, which aired on Friday, focused on the ongoing battle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control over Khartoum State. It included confirmations of the RSF’s continued presence in the region, with statements from RSF sources provided to the correspondent.

Widespread Rejection from the Media Community

Following Abdel Hameed’s post, many Sudanese journalists and media professionals strongly condemned his remarks, denouncing them as blatant incitement against journalists.

Sudanese journalist Shamael Al-Nur described these threats as “deeply troubling”, especially given that they come from “colleagues in the profession.” She noted that Sudan’s journalistic community has already paid a heavy price due to incitement, with many losing their lives as a result of such rhetoric, according to her statement on Facebook.

Al-Nur emphasized that Maha Al-Talib is simply “a correspondent reporting facts as they are from all sides and handling official statements with professionalism.” She added that this is the fundamental role of journalism, something that should not require further justification.

Meanwhile, writer and journalist Maher Abu Al-Joukh recalled an incident in which many Sudanese journalists had previously stood in solidarity with Abdel Hameed himself when he was arrested by security forces last year, despite their political differences with him.

Abu Al-Joukh urged media professionals to engage in professional discourse rather than resorting to incitement, praising Maha Al-Talib’s dedication to her work despite the challenges she faces.

War Crimes Against Journalists

Sudanese journalists have been subjected to numerous incitement campaigns since the war began, facing severe security threats.

According to statistics from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS), there have been 40 cases of enforced disappearance, arrest, or detention, including 6 female journalists. This brings the total number of such cases since the outbreak of the war to 69 journalists, with 13 of them being women.

These figures highlight the escalating violations against press freedom, underscoring the urgent need for protection measures to ensure the safety of journalists amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict.