Sudanese Authorities Jail Journalist Rashan Oshi Over Corruption Reporting

May 22, 2026 – Sudan –

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Sudanese authorities to immediately release journalist Rashan Oshi after he was jailed in connection with reporting related to alleged corruption, warning that the case reflects growing pressure on journalists working in Sudan during the country’s ongoing conflict.

According to CPJ, Oshi, a television presenter for AlBalad TV, was arrested on May 18 in Port Sudan after publishing reports concerning alleged corruption involving local authorities. A court later sentenced him to prison over accusations linked to his reporting activities. Rights groups and media advocates argue that the prosecution represents retaliation against investigative journalism and critical reporting on matters of public interest.

CPJ Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Sara Qudah condemned the imprisonment, describing it as deeply alarming and warning that the case sends “a chilling message” to journalists investigating corruption in Sudan. The organization stated that authorities should stop using arrests and prison sentences to silence reporters and suppress independent journalism.

The arrest comes amid worsening conditions for press freedom in Sudan following the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. Journalists across the country have faced threats, arbitrary detention, censorship, physical attacks, and restrictions on reporting as fighting continues in multiple regions.

Press freedom organizations say corruption reporting has become especially risky in Sudan because journalists investigating financial misconduct or abuses by officials often face intimidation or legal retaliation. Sudan has long struggled with corruption allegations involving political institutions, security forces, and state-linked economic networks.

The case against Oshi has also renewed concern over the shrinking space for independent media inside Sudan. Since the 2021 military coup and the subsequent civil war, media organizations and journalists have reported increasing surveillance, censorship, and harassment by both state authorities and armed groups. Several newspapers and television stations have been forced to suspend operations because of insecurity and political pressure.

International rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Sudan has become one of the world’s most dangerous environments for journalists. CPJ and other watchdog groups have documented multiple cases involving detained reporters, attacks on media workers, and killings connected to the conflict.

CPJ urged Sudanese authorities to release Oshi immediately and ensure journalists are able to investigate corruption and report freely without fear of imprisonment, intimidation, or retaliation.

Reference –

Sudanese authorities jail journalist Rishan Oshi over corruption reporting