Sudan releases Czech filmmaker accused of espionage

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) – Sudanese authorities have released a Czech national who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for espionage.

Peter Jasek, a filmmaker, was arrested in December 2015 and jailed for multiple charges, including espionage and illegally entering the country.

He, however, was pardoned on Sunday and released from prison during Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek's visit to Sudan.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said President Omar al-Bashir had pardoned the filmmaker and ordered his release.

“In appreciation of the historic relations between Sudan and the Czech Republic, the Sudanese president has ordered the release of Czech citizen Mr. Jasek,” Ghandour said.

Zaoralek, for his part, thanked Sudanese authorities for the Czech citizen’s release.

“I’m very glad that we are able today to conclude this unhappy case of Mr. Jasek,” he said.

Jasek was reportedly making a film about the persecution of local Christians in Sudan when he was arrested by Sudanese authorities.

Czech officials, however, said that the filmmaker was in Sudan to help local Christians.