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Sudan Tribune

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Arab right network say new press law paves way for more censorship

June 11, 2009 (CAIRO) — The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) said yesterday that the new press law is a severe strike against press freedom in Sudan and is paving the way for more censorship and confiscation.

The National Assembly on Monday passed unanimously the contested press law after dropping heavy sanctions against journalists by the press council. However, the same authority has now been given to the judiciary with no maximum limits for fines.

The Arab organization also criticized the possibility to confiscate a newspaper accorded to the press regulator body. “Newspaper confiscation was one of the Sudanese executive authority’s habits. The new law did not cancel the procedure but transmitted it to the Press Council which, as per the law, is given the authority to confiscate any newspaper for 3 days without judiciary approval.”

The ANHRI further said “The 21-member council has 6 members appointed by the Sudanese president and this paves the way for more suppression.”

There are some 30 newspapers in both English and Arabic published daily to represent all persuasions – pro-government, Islamist or communist – and show off the country’s multi-faceted political make-up.

The new law does not provide a mechanism for information handling between formal authorities and journalists. As a result, journalists have to depend on their own sources of information while being in an atmosphere in which information flow is restricted.

ANHRI commented, “It is obvious that the state will never give up practicing strict censorship against the press and freedom of expression. According to the new law, the state has the right to impose restrictions on the press for national security and public discipline considerations.”

The new law includes many broadly interpreted articles concerning the decision not to publish any piece of work that may “arise religious or racial sedition or may instigate war or violence”. The law also requires that newspapers must “respect and protect public discipline and religious values”.

“The Sudan, whose domestic crises and conflicts threaten Sudanese security and the country’s future, should adopt a press law that coincides with international publishing standards and freedom of expression,” said the regional rights body.

(ST)

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