Writers’ Union condemns security censorship

The Sudanese Writers’ Union has strongly condemned security authorities from censoring journalists by stopping them publishing topics they disagree with, or by confiscating newspapers after they have been printed. Nine journalists are now known to have been banned from working. The Union said ‘these practices are against basic principles of human rights along with internationally recognised standards of freedom of expression.’ It said ‘security censorship also damages the sound conscience of any contemporary nation.’ The statement expressed ‘solidarity with journalists banned from publishing’ and asked authorities to ‘refrain from illegal unconstitutional acts and to abide by the old Sudanese heritage which respected freedom of expression and societal achievement.’ Farouq Mohammed Ibrahim, secretary general of the Sudanese Organisation for Protection of Rights and Freedom condemned the practice of banning writers and confiscation of newspapers after printing. Many newspapers in Khartoum are reportedly being directly monitored by the security service. Several newspapers have also been shut down including Ajras Alhurria and Rai Alsha’b.