Sudanese independent daily suspended

KHARTOUM, Nov 17 (AFP) — Sudanese authorities on Monday suspended publication of the independent daily Al-Ayam while they investigate charges it has threatened national security, newspapers reported Monday.

Al-Ayam chief editor Mahjoub Mohamed Salih told AFP the printing press workers informed him before dawn that the latest edition was seized by security forces who told them publication had been suspended.

“Nobody has informed us (management) of this measure,” Salih said, adding that he would consult with legal advisers to see if the decision can be appealed.

The Sudan Media Centre (SMC), which is close to the government, said in a report published by the independent Al-Rai Al-Aam daily that the prosecutor for anti-state crimes Sunday issued a decision suspending Al-Ayam from Monday until an investigation is completed.

The SMC said the National Security Organ wrote to the prosecutor demanding the filing of a lawsuit against the newspaper for “adopting a line that adversely impairs the country’s security, stability and religious and social cohesion.”