Security prevents Sudanese journalists from attending press freedom seminar

A heavy security force presence reportedly prevented jounalists from attending a seminar on Monday, organised by the Sudanese Journalists’ Network in Omdurman.The seminar, at the premises of the National Umma Party, is part of the Network’s campaign for freedom of expression and the press. This is in reaction to the heavy censorship imposed on the Sudanese press and the ongoing confiscations of newspapers by the security forces.Speaking to Radio Dabanga, a journalist said that at the same time a number of journalists organised a sit-in in solidarity with the El Gerida newspaper, which decided to stop publishing in protest against the lack of freedom of expression and the continuing confiscations by the security.A heavy security force presence surrounded the headquarters of the National Umma Party and prevented anyone from entering. A number of journalists were arrested but they were released later on the day. News photo: journalists working at El Gerida newspaper protesting in front of the Press Council in Khartoum, on Monday, 7 October Related: Mass arrests, newspaper confiscations continue in Sudan (6 October 2013)