A heated exchange erupted on Al Jazeera Mubasher’s ‘Sudan Window’ program between host Ahmed Taha and Alaa El Din Nugud, the spokesperson for the ‘Tasees’ coalition, regarding the continued detention of Sudanese journalist Muammar Ibrahim. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are allegedly holding Ibrahim.
Taha initiated the discussion by stating, “You have a simple man who was doing his job as a journalist – even if you disagree with him – and that is Muammar Ibrahim. He remains in RSF prisons, despite your promises to release him after investigations. Where is Muammar Ibrahim now? Have you subjected him to investigation? Has he received a fair trial? And how can a journalist be tried for what he writes? Why haven’t you released him?”
Nugud responded, “Regarding the Muammar issue, the matter is now in the hands of the Justice Triangle… Muammar is not an ordinary journalist who wrote something we disagreed with. He is a journalist who fueled racism and incited war. Nevertheless, he is now safe and has not been harmed, as you saw in the video in which he appeared.”
The host immediately challenged these accusations, questioning, “How did he fuel racism and war? I am prepared to show you hundreds of videos and clips of individuals affiliated with the RSF speaking in the most racist terms, calling for the killing of people affiliated with the army. Tell me, how was Muammar, this simple man, inciting war through his writings or interventions?”
Nugud argued, “Journalists who incite war are not new. History holds examples, such as what happened in Rwanda with the genocide, in which journalists and radio stations were prosecuted. So, don’t tell me it’s just writings.”
Taha insisted, “Muammar was conveying what he saw inside El Fasher of violations, whether by the RSF or others. Where is the incitement of war in this? Did he call for the extermination of people? He did not. He appeared with us on our screen.”
The intense discussion continued, with both sides exchanging criticisms about the concept of “professionalism” and freedom of the press. The host stated, “You have no justification for imprisoning a journalist because he said something you don’t like. This is a flaw on your part.” Nugud countered, “The world doesn’t work that way. No one can incite racism and fuel war and tribal problems.”
The debate highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding press freedom and the role of journalists in conflict zones, specifically concerning the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the actions of the RSF.
