Prominent Sudanese journalist Yahya Hamad Fadlallah died on January 13, 2025, at Al Nou Hospital in Omdurman, in Khartoum State, days after being released from detention by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Fadlallah, 65, was a well-known freelance columnist, novelist, and journalist who contributed to Blue Nile TV and the General Authority for Radio and Television.
In a January 13 statement, the local trade union Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemned Fadlallah’s death and alleged that the SAF was responsible for his mistreatment. The SJS and Darfur Bar Association alleged that he was tortured, falsely accused of collaborating with the RSF, and denied medical treatment for his diabetes while in detention. CPJ was unable to independently verify these claims.
On December 11, 2024, the SAF arrested Fadlallah and his son at their home in the capital Khartoum. After being released on January 10, he was taken to the hospital due to poor health, according to the SJS and a journalist familiar with the case who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal.
Since the war between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) started in April 2023, at least six other journalists have been arrested and killed while reporting amid famine and mass displacement.
CPJ’s emails to the SAF requesting comment on the Fadlallah’s death did not receive any replies.