RSF assassinates journalist and family members in Khartoum suburb

Source: Sudan Tribune

June 5, 2024 (KHARTOUM) - A Rapid Support Forces (RSF) unit assassinated journalist Muawiya Abdel Razzaq and three of his family members late Tuesday night at their home in the Al-Droshab suburb, north of Khartoum Bahri (North).

Since the war began between the army and the RSF on April 15, 2023, numerous journalists have faced widespread violations from both sides, including arrest, killing, and looting, with the paramilitary forces being responsible for the majority of these abuses.

The Journalists' Syndicate recorded 393 direct violations against journalists and media outlets, mostly occurring due to their work or affiliation with the profession. These violations included murder, physical assault, kidnapping, and detention, with at least one female journalist experiencing sexual violence, according to the union.

Hussein Mirghani, a resident of the Al-Droshab, stated on Facebook, "In a crime that adds to the record of the criminal militia, four young men from southern Al-Droshab were executed inside their home late last night: Tarek Yaqub, Murtada Captain, Ali Turki, and journalist Muawiya Abdel Razzaq."

He added that the victims had remained in the area since the outbreak of the war and had not left.

The Journalists' Syndicate mourned journalist Abdel Razzaq, stating that he was killed by RSF's gunfire along with three of his family members. The union strongly condemned the incident, calling on the RSF to immediately investigate this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Syndicate urged the paramilitary group to cease targeting journalists and civilians and called on human rights organizations and those concerned with the protection of journalists to intervene and pressure to ensure the safety and security of journalists.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Journalists Network, another independent group, condemned the assassination of journalist Abdel Razzaq and the excessive violence and aggression by RSF elements.

In late December of last year, the Rapid Support Forces detained Abdul Razzaq, who was active in youth groups serving the remaining residents of southern Al-Droshab, before later releasing him.

The Rapid Support Forces have also detained journalist Tarek Abdallah from the Al-Haj Youssif suburb in eastern Khartoum for more than two weeks.

Journalist Huda Hamed died in the same suburb this week due to a lack of medical care after being bitten by a snake.