A Sudanese female journalist has alleged threats from Islamist hardliners in the North African country over her recently published article targeted at the Islamic regime of the country. The journalist alleged that attacks are being targeted at her by Islamic hardliners who have labelled her work “an insult to Islam”.
In a column published in Al-Taryar newspaper, the journalist, Shamael al-Nur, had written that the Islamic regime were focusing on frivolous matters like women’s dressing at the expense of failing health and education sectors of the country. She had also cited misplaced priorities in the act of the government condemning some wears instead of distributing condoms as a way of sex education. She also stated in the article that only 3 percent of Sudanese budget is allocated to the health sector.
Although the reporter had written at least seven other articles, it was her exposition on topics not deemed appropriate for public discussion by Islamic hardliners that attracted trouble.
A Khartoum-based radical Islamist, Mohamed Ali al-Ghazouli has condemned the article, describing the content as anti-Islam. He has also reported the case to the Sudanese press council which is expected to determine if it is a case of apostasy. Apostasy carries a capital punishment of death in Sudan.
Islamic regime in Sudan has come under heavy criticism in recent time after it sentenced a pregnant Christian woman to death in 2014 for apostasy. It took the intervention of several international Rights organisations to secure the release of the woman and her husband. They have since left Sudan.
In the wake of the alleged persecution against the Journalist, several organisations have demanded that the Sudanese government ensure she is protected. Nur’s own independent newspaper, Al-Tayar, has remained in her defence while also calling for the protection of the journalist, described as talented and having a strong views.
A Paris-based human rights organisation is also calling for the government of the country to ensure her safety.
