Sudanese journalists protest ban on two opposition newspapers

KHARTOUM, Dec 13, 2003 (dpa) — Sudanese journalists Saturday called on newspapers to cease publication to protest an ongoing government ban on two opposition newspapers.

A statement signed by 35 journalists representing 17 political newspapers said the action “seeks to guarantee rights of expression and to enhance freedoms”.

Journalists organized a sit-in protest at the premises of the two banned newspapers, an English language daily, Khartoum Monitor and an Arabic language newspaper al-Ayam.

Faisal al-Bager, journalist and human rights activist said they were protesting to safeguard freedoms in Sudan.

“This will continue until the government abandons its absurd way of harassing the press,” he said.

The journalists have called for the lifting of the ban and a free and fair trial for the two newspapers.

Western diplomats, including the U.S. embassy, earlier this month also criticized the ban on the two newspapers which came two months after President Omar al-Bashir issued a decree that lifted bans on press and information institutions.

Sudanese authorities close down opposition papers on the request of security agencies on charges that they present a security risk to the country.