Dozens Arrested in East Darfur After Spreading Anti-Militia News on Social Media

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) released eight detainees in exchange for fines of 500,000 Sudanese pounds each, a month after they were detained in the town of Abu Karinka, East Darfur State.

A family member of the detainees, who requested anonymity, told Darfur 24 that the militia accused most of the detainees of supporting the army and circulating information on social media against the militia. He noted that the families of the detainees were forced to pay the fines after the RSF made their release conditional on payment.

A human rights activist, who requested anonymity, told Darfur 24 that a court, led by an alleged RSF legal advisor, issued fines against dozens of detainees.

The militia continues its arrest and trial campaigns in East Darfur State, under the pretext of collaborating and communicating with the army. The militia took control of East Darfur in November 2023, establishing a civilian administration and a judicial and legal bodies to run public affairs.