The Journalists Syndicate condemns the arrest of colleague Lina Yaqoub, describing it as a "setback for media freedom."

September 19, 2025 (PEN) The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the decision issued today by the Sudanese Ministry of Culture and Information to suspend journalist and director of the Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels' Sudan office, Lina Yaqoub, stressing that "the decision constitutes a serious setback for press freedom and undermines society's right to access information."

In a statement, the union warned that such measures fuel an environment of hostility toward media professionals, creating a dangerous reality that threatens their safety and limits their ability to perform their vital role in monitoring and documenting events.

The union demanded the immediate reversal of the suspension decision, which it described as unlawful, and an end to any incitement or targeting of Yaqoub or any other journalist, while ensuring their personal and professional safety.

It also called on all regional and international organizations concerned with press freedom to stand in solidarity with Yaqoub and support Sudanese journalists to pressure them to reverse this decision.

The Ministry of Culture and Information issued a decision today to suspend Yaqoub and revoke her press accreditation, stating that this decision was made "to preserve professionalism and ensure that national security and the public interest are not exposed to risks resulting from the circulation of inaccurate and misleading information."