A Sudanese media and publications court in Khartoum has fined two journalists working for Al-Jarida daily newspaper 17,000SDG or serve one month in jail.

Ashraf Abdulaziz, the Chief Editor and a columnist Hassan Warag were charged for defaming officials at Al-Hasahisa Locality in an article where they accused the officials of being involved in a land scandal.

Abdulaziz said he would not pay the fine but instead was ready to serve the prison time.

According to the court judgement, the newspaper is expected to pay 10,000SDG to the government of Sudan and 7,000SDG to the defamed persons.