Sudan paper suspends work to protest censorship
June 19, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — One of Sudan’s leading independent papers suspended work on Thursday, saying censorship by authorities had made it impossible to function.
Ajras al-Huriya, or the Bells of Freedom, said it had not been able to publish for two days this week after Sudanese security arrived and ordered the removal of up to nine articles and columns minutes before the paper went to the printing press.
“They, the security elements, are replacing the role of the editor-in-chief,” said deputy chief editor, Fayez el-Sheikh el-Silaik.
“We want to send a very strong message to the international community and the political forces that we are in a very dangerous situation — freedom is in danger now.”
Sudan’s constitution, created after a 2005 north-south peace deal ending Africa’s longest civil war, enshrines press freedom but since an attack on Khartoum last month by rebels from Sudan’s west, daily censorship has been imposed on newspapers.
Silaik said articles critical of the ruling National Congress Party, the army or security had been removed, as well as those on hostilities in Darfur, neighbouring Chad and on dam projects in northern Sudan where people were killed in protests.
“We cannot even write about the fact that there is censorship,” he said.
Senior members of Sudan’s political opposition parties were present when the paper announced the suspension, including the former southern rebels, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, who joined the NCP in government following the 2005 accord.
Some SPLM members are shareholders in the paper which has a charter to ensure its independence. The SPLM said it would raise the issue of censorship with the NCP.
(Reuters)
Gai Chol Paul
Sudan paper suspends work to protest censorship
Somebody denying freedom of press is blind idiot who can’t think beyond his or her horizons.It is a futile decision for NCp activists to intimedate the independent press.I don’t understand as to why the ruling party breaches CPA constitution.Pliz,Bashir tell your juniors to respect the right and the freedom of press.
Jacob
Sudan paper suspends work to protest censorship
Dear political leaders OF THE SUDAN NCP LET FREEDOM TAKE ITS COURSE. censoring the media is not the solution of the Sudanese problem,but understanding the need of each parties then come to the table.
Bells of Freedom has areason to operate as the name suggested.What Iknow about my Sudanese Arabs’friends they fear to tell the truth,therefore,Ajras al-Huriya became victim of the prolems.
Please leaders of the Paper,never give up the will free you.
GAMR JACOB
Maganydam
Sudan paper suspends work to protest censorship
NCP-Khartoum Government
I thought breaching laws is for children under adolescene not for adults and the ruling party.
Khartoum is not the whole Sudan, JEM was right to launch the attack on Khartoum for it’s Khartoum which bombs them and kill them with bullets.
When your government of Fake barren-Bashir does not abide in the humanitarian laws, they truth telling Agants shall not halt exposing your terroristic stupid Carnivoring government to the World.
The caring government usually allows freedom of press b’se press that tell your merits and demerits adjusts your leadership.
Set the Sudan Paper free if you first inaugurated it into operation-they are not wrong. Dear Sudan Paper many wrongs than that are done to many News agents in the world but fact shines even in the darkness-spearhead your work, please!
I hope you learn!! DamMagany”Man of the People”
peter kuot
Sudan paper suspends work to protest censorship
It is very rediculous to hear that. Government that has declared democracy again imposing censorship on press. Why don’t they remove the name democracy and replace it with dictaorship.
I urge the press officials of Ajras al_Huriya to continue brave claim for their rights.
The democratic SPLM should should also help them.
The Wiseman
Sudan paper suspends work to protest censorship
Can the international community now see that it is clear and more evident that the comming elections would just be allocation of votes without considering the true outcome of the real exercise?
First reason?
Jonglei
Sudan paper suspends work to protest censorship
INTIMIDATION IS NOT NEW IN SUDAN SO LONG AS NCP REMAINS THE COCK IN HIERARCHY
There is nothing new in Sudan-NCP. it is clear to every living organism in Sudan that there is no freedom to live! not merely freedom to press.
If you doudt me than consult mr Alfred Taban who had fought the the war of words and media for along time when some OF you were paying deaf ears.
SELL THE STUPID FOOLS TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY!!!!!!!!!