HUDO Centre Date:10th August 2025 No: H.K/PS/27/025 PRESS STATEMENT JSC ARRESTED TWO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES IN DAMAZIN, SUDAN On 27th July 2025, the Joint Security Cell (JSC) arrested two employees of Blue Nile University from their work place in Damazin. The reason behind the arrest was a discussion in WhatsApp group. They were released the following day after interrogation. On 27th July 2025, Mr. Mukhtar Babikir Taha (35 years old) and Mr. Raafat Elhadi (33 years old) were arrested by a group of JSC soldiers. The two (university employees) were arrested from Blue Nile university in Damazin. After the arrest, the two were taken to the JSC office in Damazin where they were detained, interrogated and released the following day (28th July 2025). They were released with a condition that they should report to JSC office the following day. They complied by reporting to JSC office for two days thereafter, they were set free. The reason of their arrest was participating in a discussion within the university WhatsApp group whereby, the two had criticized the corruption taking place within the university administration. A lawyer in Damazin commented to HUDO Centre that; “According to the law, the authorities should investigate the allegations instead of arresting complainants. Unless its false allegations then they will be subjected to private prosecution”. Damazin is the capital city of Blue Nile State where the university’s main campus is located. HUDO Centre is concerned about the safety of civilians in Sudan during this difficult period of fighting between SAF and RSF and calls for the following;  The JSC in Damazin to stop arresting and intimidating civilians.  The head of the security committee in Blue Nile State (the governor) to investigate the circumstances that led to this arrest and make the findings public.  Sudan government to respect the citizen’s right of expression and to investigate the alleged corruption. End: For more information, please write to hudo2009@gmail.com