A Sudanese freelance journalist who went missing on October 29 was found on the roadside of Khartoum on Friday.
Somaya Ibrahim Ismail Hendosa was held captive by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and was physically and emotionally tortured in detention. In an interview with GIRIFNA, her family explained that Hendosa was subjected to "torture and beating with whips and hands." She was also subjected to "verbal racist slurs directed at her and her tribe," and her head was totally shaved.
Hendosa lives in Egypt and was visiting Sudan during the Eid holidays. Her articles were published in local Sudanese publications and independent dailies such as Al-Watan and Al-Sahafa. Hendosa was accused by the NISS of writing articles against the regime and her Facebook account was also hacked several times before the abduction.
Hendosa was captured from an unknown location near her home in Khartoum. Her sister received a call later that day informing her about Hendosa’s abduction. Later, her family received an SMS stating that she was being held by NISS agents. However, NISS did not publicly confirm or deny the action.
Journalists for Human Rights urged the government to immediately investigate these, "horrendous violations, hold accountable responsible officials and stop security agents from bullying."
Hendosa’s case highlights the plight of journalists in Sudan. In July, Doha Centre for Media published a report highlighting the detention and torture of many activists and journalists as widespread protests swept the nation. According to DCMF, in 2011 more than 20 newspapers were closed or suspended, at least 10 journalists were detained and tortured, and up to 12 reporters and other media contributors received court summons or were subject to judicial investigations.
