Sudan security confiscates editions of two newspapers

Agents of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) confiscated the print runs of El Yowm El Tali and El Akhbar daily newspapers in Khartoum on Sunday. “No reasons were given for the confiscation”, several journalists told Radio Dabanga from Khartoum.The action came within less than a week after the Second Vice-President, Hassabo Mohamed Abdel Rahman, had announced the suspension of pre-publication censorship. During the past eight months, the NISS confiscated Sudanese newspaper editions 47 times.   The journalists confirmed that the NISS continues to enforce strict control over the Sudanese press. “Apart from confiscating newspaper copies and suspending newspapers, journalists are prevented from writing or criminally prosecuted. We are also forced to cover news items according to NISS editorial prescriptions. Certain items must be covered, others are prohibited.” Reporters Without Borders ranked Sudan 172th out of the 180 listed countries in its 2014 Press Freedom Index.   File photo: Women in Khartoum holding banners saying “Release political detainees”, and “Freedom of expression is a right, not a gift” (Radio Dabanga) Related:Sudan’s journalists rally for press freedom in Khartoum (26 June 2014)Sudan’s press freedom worst for third year running (12 February 2014)