Update: Censorship surge in Sudan by security services – papers prevented from distributing printed copies

(24 February 2014) On 20 February 2014, Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) visited printing houses and issued a verbal order preventing the distribution of printed copies of three daily independent newspapers. Aakhir Lahza, Al Ehram Alyoum and Alwatan newspapers were each prevented from distributing printed copies of their daily issue. No specific rationale was given by the NISS. The papers resumed distribution the following day, 21 February.The increased use of post-print censorship, whereby newspapers are banned from distributing entire printed issues without prior notice, has increasingly been used as a tactic to control the publication of independent information in Sudan. The prohibition of printed copies has also resulted in significant financial losses to independent newspapers.

Background

This is the latest instalment in a spate of restrictions imposed on the independent print media by the Sudanese authorities. On the 11 and 24 January the NISS in Khartoum prevented the distribution of printed copies of Algareeda newspaper. The paper was also prevented from distributing its daily issue on 26 January and on the same day the Chief Editor was summoned to NISS offices and ordered to suspend the distribution of the newspaper indefinitely. The suspension was owing to alleged ‘violations of publishing’ relating to the publication of articles concerning increases in food, fuel and gas prices and alleged corruption in government-owned cotton factories and cotton production in Sudan. Algareeda resumed distribution on 14 February after permission was issued verbally by the NISS. Al-Ayaam, Alwan and Alsahafa newspapers were prevented from distributing printed copies of their daily issues on 4 February by an NISS administrative decision that gave no reason for the suspension. The three dailies resumed publishing and distribution the following day, 5 February.

Beit Al-Shrooq Cultural Forum in Al-Gadarif town, eastern Sudan has remained closed since the NISS raided its offices, obstructed a planned discussion on a recently published book entitled ‘Development and Sustainable Peace in Eastern Sudan’, confiscated printed copies of the book, and locked the premises on 11 February.

ACJPS reiterates its calls on the government of Sudan to immediately end its policies of pre- and post- print censorship of independent publications, harassment of journalists, and the use of intimidation tactics designed to prevent independent publishers from reporting on issues the government deems sensitive. ACJPS further reiterates its call to the Sudanese authorities to immediately re-open Beit Al-Shrooq Cultural Forum and enable it to operate according to its license with the Social, Cultural and Media Ministry of Al-Gadarif State.

Contact: Osman Hummaida, Executive Director, African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) in London on +44 7956 095738 or e-mail: info@acjps.org.

This post is also available in: Arabic