The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has condemned the judgment issued on 14 September 2026 by the Port Sudan Court against volunteer Brir Al‑Tom in a case related to his exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, stressing that the use of the Cybercrime Act in cases involving expression raises serious concerns regarding respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.
According to available information, the court convicted Brir Al‑Tom under Articles 14, 24, and 26 of the Cybercrime Act. The court considered the period he had already spent in detention sufficient punishment under Article 14, while imposing a five-year suspended prison sentence and placing him under supervision for two years under Article 24. The ruling also included a fine of five million Sudanese pounds and a sentence of 50 lashes to be carried out in public under Article 26, with an additional six-month prison term in the event of non-payment of the fine.
The Committee for Justice considers the punishment of public flogging, in addition to the other penalties imposed on Brir Al‑Tom, to be inconsistent with respect for human dignity. CFJ further warns against the use of criminal legislation to restrict freedom of opinion and expression or to punish individuals for their political views and peaceful expression.
The Committee for Justice calls for a review of the judgment, guarantees of Brir Al‑Tom’s right to a fair trial, and the abolition of penalties that undermine human dignity. CFJ also urges respect for freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to refrain from using criminal laws as a means of suppressing opinions, political positions, or the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms.