African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies ACJPS | المركز الافريقي لدراسات العدالة و السلام
(14 February 2014) The past month has seen a surge in government restrictions on the freedom of the media and freedom of expression in Sudan. Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) have prevented the distribution of printed copies of four independent newspapers, and suspended their operation indefinitely. The NISS also raided the premises of Beit Al-Shrooq Cultural Forum in Al-Gadarif State on 11 February, confiscated printed copies of a book on development and peace in eastern Sudan and locked the premises, barring members of the forum from re-entering.
On the 11 and 24 January the NISS in Khartoum prevented the distribution of printed copies of Algareeda newspaper. On 26 January, the Chief Editor of Algareeda, Mr Edris Aldoma, was summoned by the NISS for interrogation and was ordered to suspend the printing and distribution of the newspaper indefinitely. The NISS accused Algareeda of what it called ‘violations of publishing’ following the publication of articles concerning hardship faced by the Sudanese population due to severe increases in food, fuel and gas prices. The Chief Editor was also questioned about other articles, including one concerning alleged corruption in government-owned cotton factories and cotton production in Sudan.
On the 4 February, the NISS in Khartoum issued an administrative decision suspending the distribution of three other printed newspapers, Al-Ayaam, Alwan and Alsahafa, indefinitely and without giving any reason.
On 11 February 2014, the NISS of Al-Gadarif State, eastern Sudan raided the premises of Beit Al-Shrooq Cultural Forum’ in Al-Gadarif town, obstructing a planned discussion that day on a recently published book entitled ‘Development and Sustainable Peace in Eastern Sudan’. The NISS ordered participants to vacate the building and locked it, barring members of the forum from re-entering the building. The NISS also confiscated printed copies of the book along with a banner for the event, a laptop and a camera belonging to Mr Jaffar Al-Khidir who is a member of the forum. Headed by Lieutenant Mawia Mohamed Salih, the NISS informed members of the forum that the decision to stop the discussion was made by the local governor of Al-Gadarif. Beit Al-Shrooq Cultural Forum’s registration to operate was renewed for one year with the Social, Cultural and Media Ministry of Al-Gadarif State on 2 February 2014.
Background
Restrictions on the freedom of the media and in Sudan, including pre-print censorship and restrictions on the distribution of printed issues of newspapers is an on-going problem. The increased use of post-print censorship, whereby newspapers are banned from distributing entire printed issues, has resulted in significant financial losses to independent newspapers.
The recent obstructions, as well as the closure of Beit Al-Shrooq Cultural Forum and seizure of printed copies of independent literature from the forum, are emblematic of a broader problem concerning restrictions on freedom of expression and the approach of the authorities to the publication of material considered to be critical of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP). Throughout 2012 and 2013, The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) documented on-going and systematic violations of freedoms of expression, association and assembly. The NISS have been deployed to obstruct the publication or distribution of independent newspapers or the convening of meetings of independent civil society. Journalists, bloggers and other independent commentators have also been harassed, arrested and detained by the NISS without charge publishing material critical of the authorities.
ACJPS 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 calls on the Government of Sudan to immediately re-open Beit Al-Shrooq Cultural Forum and enable its members to meet, in the absence of valid charges that are consistent with international law and standards.
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.
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