Egyptian ivory trafficker Rajab Sharawi

The Egyptian Embassy in Khartoum is following up the conditions of Egyptian fishermen, who were caught in Sudan earlier for violating the territorial waters.

Egypt's Ambassador in Sudan Osama Shaltout said contacts are underway with the Sudanese authorities to check on about 100 Egyptian fishermen, who were arrested while heading for Eritrea on a fishing trip.

"Of all, 46 fishermen were preliminary sentenced to one month in jail and ordered to pay fines," Shaltout said, adding that this verdict will be challenged soon.

"Three of the fishermen, including two minors, were freed," he said, adding that efforts are underway to bring them back home.

Shaltout called on the Egyptian fishermen not to violate the territorial waters again in order not to be tried.