Prior censorship makes a comeback

The editor of the Sudanese daily Ajras al-Huriya yesterday decided to suspend publication of the newspaper for one week in protest against the imposition of official censorship. The previous evening Sudanese security forces raided the premises of Ajras al-Huriya and those of several other papers, including Arabic-language opposition daily, al-Midan, and seized a number of copies. “We condemn the seizure of these publications by the Sudanese authorities”, Reporters Without Borders said. “The seizures on 5 June confirm a return to prior censorship of the Sudanese written press, following the first signs of renewal of the practice in mid-May.” “It amounts to an extremely serious setback for press freedom in this country. We offer our full support to these newspapers which are going through a difficult period. We hope that they will be able to express themselves freely when they resume publication.” Ajras al-Huriya had on 6 June been prevented from appearing for the third consecutive day. Other newspapers have received telephone calls telling them they did not have the right to cover some sensitive issues, such as the International Criminal Court or the doctors’ strike, under threat of being censored. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2010.20.05 - Return to prior censorship of print media feared Reporters Without Borders is concerned that prior censorship could be restored in Sudan after security forces raided several newspapers yesterday in Khartoum, demanded to see the articles in preparation and prevented two newspapers from publishing several reports and editorials. The raids came just three days after the authorities closed down the opposition daily Rai al-Shaab and arrested four of its journalists. See the previous release . “After 20 months of prior censorship by the intelligence services, President Omar Al Bashir decreed an end to this practice in September 2009,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Last night’s developments seem to call this into question. We fear the government could be in the process of restoring censorship, which would be a historic reversal for press freedom and would signify a return to the darkest days of state surveillance of the print media.” After swooping on several newspapers last night, the security forces ordered the withdrawal and confiscation of several pages from Ajras al-Hurriya, a newspaper that supports Southern Sudan’s former rebels, and the independent newspaper Al-Sahafa. Fayez al-Silaik, the editor of Ajras al-Hurriya, said more than half of the pages of today’s issue were censored, making publication impossible. Reporters Without Borders also condemns threats by the local authorities against two independent radio stations in Southern Sudan, Miraya FM and Bakhita. Information and broadcasting minister Paul Mayom Akech accused Miraya FM of “exceeding its mandate” by broadcasting reports that were divisive and incited ethnic violence. He gave the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), which operates the station, a week to “put the editorial body in order,” failing which the station would be closed. Radio Bakhita also risks losing its licence if it does not modify its programme content. The government of Southern Sudan is accusing it of devoting too much time to covering political developments instead of broadcasting religious programmes. Picture : Sudanese newspapers (AFP / Ashraz Shazly)