Sudanese security confiscates three newspapers

The Sudanese security apparatus confiscated the Thursday edition of three daily newspapers after printing without giving any justifications. “The confiscation of El Watan, El Ahram El Yom, and Akhir Lahza newspapers is not only a means of repression against the right of expression”, the Journalists for Human Rights (JAHR) stated; “but is also intended to withhold information from the public and financially harm publishers in the country.” Numbers of newspapers this month including El Sahafa, Alwan, and El Ayam were also confiscated after printing. On 22 January, Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) confiscated all copies of El Jareeda newspaper in Khartoum. A source in the NISS told Sudan Tribune on Thursday these newspapers “committed numerous breaches”, such as their coverage of developments regarding the dispute with Egypt over the border Halayeb region. “Halayeb is a red line,” the source said. He asserted that editors in chiefs have previously been warned to avoid certain topics. Sudan’s press freedom is gradually deteriorating, according to its new ranking in the World Press Freedom index of 2013. The downward trend in Sudan’s press freedom seems to continue this year, regarding the recent confiscations. File photo Radio Dabanga Related: Sudan’s press freedom worst for third year running (12 February 2014)