Journalists protest against increased censorship in Sudan

Sudanese journalists are planning a demonstration against the increased government censorship of the press. The protest will take place in front of the Sudan’s National Commission for Human Rights in Al Amarat in Khartoum on Wednesday afternoon, a journalist from the Sudanese Network of Journalists told Radio Dabanga Sudanese journalists are planning a demonstration against the increased government censorship of the press. The protest will take place in front of the Sudan’s National Commission for Human Rights in Al Amarat in Khartoum on Wednesday afternoon, a journalist from the Sudanese Network of Journalists told Radio Dabanga.

“More than 15 journalists have been prohibited from covering the protests. At demonstrations the security forces first target the journalists, then the protesters. Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will stand in front of the National Commission for Human Rights and demand the protection of our rights, the protection of our freedom of speech and demand a stop to government violations of these rights,” he said. He added that journalists oftentimes receive telephone threats warning them not to attend demonstrations.

Journalists covering the demonstrations are increasingly facing government harassment. The police have temporarily detained bloggers and journalists in an attempt to stifle reporting on the protest movement. During last Friday’s protest, dubbed “The Friday of elbow-licking”, the two journalists Anwar Awad and Amal Habani were arrested.

In an attempt to stop newspapers from covering the demonstrations government authorities have raised taxes on all items related to printing. As a result the following five newspapers have had to close down due to economic reasons: The Citizen, Al Ahdath, Al Hurra, Al Sahid and Al Youm Al Thani. Others have been shut down by the security forces: Ra’i Al Shab, Al Tayar and Al Midan.

Student Protest Khartoum University
In a different incident, students demonstrated around the University of Khartoum on Tuesday. They chanted slogans against spending cuts and for the downfall of the regime. A student told Radio Dabanga the police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds and managed to force the protesting students back into the university grounds. He said that some students were injured, but did not have the exact numbers.