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Sudan Tribune

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Sudan temporarily blocks website of UN radio Miraya

November 10, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – Access to the website of the UN-sponsored Miraya FM radio in Sudan was temporarily blocked for several hours on Wednesday by the country’s National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), Sudan Tribune has observed.

NTC.jpgMiraya FM is a joint enterprise between the UN Mission in Sudan and the Hirondelle Foundation, a Swiss non-government organization. It started broadcasting on FM frequencies on June, 30 2006 and it provides news services around-the-clock.

The station broadcasts only in south Sudan as authorities in north Sudan refused to grant Miraya a license to broadcast in the north. Its relays are not audible in north Sudan despite the fact it has offices in Khartoum.

Yesterday afternoon, Miraya’s website opened onto the logo of NTC which said that “this site has been blocked.”

However, the website was accessible again later in the evening.

A source from Miraya FM confirmed to Sudan Tribune that the radio’s website was blocked yesterday’s afternoon, saying that the radio’s administration was not aware of the reasons for the blockade and did not receive any notification from the authorities.

Sudan recently revoked the licenses of the BBC Arabic service and Monte Carol radio to broadcast on short wave frequencies in north Sudan, saying that the radio stations “committed acts violating the sanctity of national laws.”

During April’s national elections, Sudan attempted to disrupt the video-sharing website Youtube after the appearance of video footage showing elections officials tampering with ballot boxes.

Broadcast media in Sudan is tightly controlled by the state and heavily regulated by the NTC, which also filters and monitors internet content.

There are 16 radio stations broadcasting on FM frequencies in the capital Khartoum, almost all of them focus exclusively on entertainment, religious affairs or sport.

(ST)

3 Comments

  • Shadrack Nuer Machut
    Shadrack Nuer Machut

    Sudan temporarily blocks website of UN radio Miraya
    Hello Mr. Pres. Bashir,

    It is not a mattter of banning the official FM radios in Sudan but you better pack your things and go to Hague where International Criminal Court has summoned you.

    Everyday is not a Sunday. Haven’t you seen people waking up to understand your dictationship as many of them are moving away to join the insurgencies?

    Can you imagine what will occur after the referendum? Sudan is not longer the old one.
    I will not blame H.E Omar al Bashir for whatever he does wrong to UN and citizens but ICC chief presecutor Mr Luis Moremo Ocampo who has delayed indictment.

    Reply
  • okucu pa lotinokwan
    okucu pa lotinokwan

    Sudan temporarily blocks website of UN radio Miraya
    President Omer.
    Media is not an enemy, but it tells what you those who are claiming to be the president by force should followed,also telling to the public the wrong things the president plus its cabinet are doing.
    Media also should not be buyer by telling always unity,unity without its meaning. Miraya FM is the only Media use to tell us the truth if you can follow it very closely and everyday.
    May that wrong spirit in the mind of NTC authority go away for the wrong attempt they are trying.

    OKUCU PA LOTINOKWAN

    Reply
  • daudy
    daudy

    Sudan temporarily blocks website of UN radio Miraya
    Someone was also even snooping on the new baby South Sudanese internet
    RADIO NILO http://www.radionilo.com but the site protectors were able to keep it going. Freedom of Expression and Association is a human right.

    Reply
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