In a fervent appeal to Sudanese authorities, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded the immediate release of two freelance journalists, Nasr Yaqoub and Mohamed Ahmed Nazar, who were recently detained in North Darfur. The CPJ's Middle East and North Africa Regional Director, Sara Qudah, denounced the arrests as a blatant infringement on the public's right to be informed about the ongoing situation in Darfur.

Yaqoub and Nazar, known for their coverage of the conflict in Sudan, were apprehended on July 7, 2025, by the Sudan Liberation Movement–Transitional Council (SLM–TC), a faction allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces. This arrest followed an incident on July 5, when an SLM–TC officer reportedly fired shots at Yaqoub's internet shop in a dispute over a Starlink device, essential for maintaining internet connectivity in the region. Yaqoub allegedly used "provocative language" during the altercation, which led to his arrest.

Nazar's detention stemmed from a Facebook post that criticized the SLM–TC’s actions during the incident, which authorities interpreted as an act of hostility. This sequence of events underscores the perilous conditions under which journalists operate in Sudan, especially after the collapse of communication infrastructure, making Starlink devices their lifeline for reporting.

The detention of these journalists not only violates Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to free expression, but also contravenes Article 9, which protects against arbitrary arrest. The CPJ has highlighted the critical role of journalists in Sudan, documenting human rights abuses amid the ongoing conflict, which has already claimed the lives of 14 journalists and media workers since 2023.

The international community, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan, condemning the escalating civilian casualties and urging immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis. As the internal conflict rages, the need for transparent and accurate reporting from the ground is more crucial than ever to ensure global awareness and prompt international response to the atrocities occurring.

The world watches as advocacy groups like CPJ continue to fight for the rights and safety of journalists globally, stressing the importance of a free press in the promotion and protection of human rights and democratic values. The immediate release of Yaqoub and Nazar remains a priority, not only for their safety but also for the preservation of the fundamental human right to freedom of expression in conflict zones around the world.