The National Intelligence and security Service (NISS) on Wednesday confiscated the print run of El Akhbar daily newspaper. No reasons were given. The Journalists Association for Human Rights (JAHR) strongly condemned the gagging of El Akhbar in a press statement released on Wednesday, and NISS’ continued clampdown on the independent media in the country. JAHR in its statement urged the “community of Sudanese journalists to unite on clear professional, political, and social grounds, the most important of which is safeguarding freedom of expression.” “To ensure that laws are set and applied conform the international human rights conventions, and social demands for freedom, justice, and non-discrimination are met, the current regime must be overthrown, and a democratic alternative established.” The NISS this year intensified its grip on Sudanese newspapers, accusing them of crossing “red lines” through publications that adversely impact the national security. On 19 May, the Sudanese presidency delivered a firm warning to media outlets on its coverage of certain items that “pose a danger to national security and the country as a whole”. Sudan is classified among the countries which violate press freedom the most, according to the Reporters without Borders’ global press freedom index this year. It was ranked 172 out of the total 180 states. File photo Related:Sudan security confiscates print run El Tayyar (6 July 2014) Journalists protest new newspaper seizures in Sudan (3 July 2014) En Nahud detainees transferred, newspapers seized in Sudan (1 July 2014) Sudan’s journalists rally for press freedom in Khartoum (26 June 2014)EU call on Sudan to lift press curbs (28 May 2014)Press ‘warned’ in Sudan (21 May 2014)