SPA: Sudan digitally isolated by ‘arbitrary’ internet blackout

Sudan is currently digitally “cut-off from the outside world”, according to the opposition Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA). The ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) admitted ordering the black-out, asserting that the internet is “a threat to national security”.

The SPA says that the authorities have cut off internet forcing the users of the service throughout Sudan to be completely isolated from the outside world.

In a statement yesterday, the SPA said that the military junta on Monday renewed its internet and landline service after it suspended mobile phone service, also on Monday.

The SPA said in a statement on Tuesday that terrestrial internet services were the only remaining outlets for the Sudanese to expose to the world the crimes of what it called the Janjaweed militias and the military coup and the transfer of epics and the victories of the people of Sudan of the comprehensive civil disobedience and a general political strike.

“This arbitrary decision comes after the internet is finally cut off from local networks serving mobile segments.”

The SPA recommended the need to continue to document all manifestations of civil disobedience actions and the junta’s crimes in mobile phones and digital camcorders and to keep material for publication as soon as possible.

TMC: ‘Internet threat to national security’

The military junta has admitted suspending the Internet services in Sudan.

The head of the Political Committee of the TMC, Lt Gen Shamseldin Kabbashi, said in a statement on Tuesday that the internet will not return soon because it threatens national security.

He further acknowledged abuses by officers of the regular forces in the process of dismantling the sit-in, which led to the killing of 118 people, according to the Sudanese Doctors Central Committee.

Kabbashi added that the accused officers will be brought to trial within 72 hours.

The TMC reported also that preliminary evidence was found against a number of members of the regular forces, and that they were placed in military custody before being referred to the judicial authorities urgently.

The junta emphasised that there will be no delay in holding those found guilty in accordance with the regulations and laws.

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