JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 19, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channelWASHINGTON -The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Sudanese authorities to stop harassing the press by censoring news outlets, questioning journalists, and revoking reporters' accreditation.
In recent days, National Intelligence and State Security agents prevented the dailies Al-Tayar and Al-Youm al-Tali from distributing editions; questioned Shamael al-Nur, a reporter for the privately owned Al-Tayar, and Ahmed Younes, a correspondent for the London-based paper Al-Sharq al-Awsat, about their critical coverage; and revoked Younes's press accreditation, according to the local press freedom group Sudanese Journalists Network and news reports.
The National Intelligence and State Security service did not immediately respond to CPJ's email requesting comment.
"Sudanese authorities cannot hide behind the censor every time a journalist expresses a critical opinion or exposes harsh realities," said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour. "Sudanese authorities must stop harassing the independent press, and let the media work and publish freely."
On June 14, security agents questioned Younes about his work and revoked the press credentials that allow the Khartoum-based journalist to work for a foreign outlet, Younes told the independent Sudanese broadcaster Radio Dabanga. Younes told the broadcaster he was questioned about his recent coverage and a report on alleged corruption, which he denies writing. The journalist added that he was not told if he will be able to get his accreditation back.
Security agents questioned al-Nur on June 9, and ten over her column in al-Tayar headlined "The Siege," in which she criticized government officials over oil shortages, the Sudanese Journalists Network said in a statement. The agents did not say if any action would be taken against her, according to the statement.
Security agents prevented al-Youm al-Tali from being distributed on June 14 and 15 by ordering the printing house to delay printing until the end of the day, the Sudanese Journalists Network said in a statement. The NISS order did not specify the reason for the delay.
The June 14 edition included a column that criticized the ruling party and called on the Sudanese President, Omar Al-Bashir, to limit his travel costs, the Sudanese Journalists Network said in a statement.
Osman Mirgani, the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Tayar, told Radio Dabanga that authorities ordered the print house to delay the distribution of his paper on four days from June 9 without giving a reason.
The country's security service has previously used print delays as a way to censor the news and force publications to incur significant financial losses. Earlier this month, CPJ documented how the National Intelligence and State Security service prevented the privately owned Al-Jarida from distributing an edition by causing delays at the printing press, resulting in a loss of 50,000 Sudanese pounds (US$2,770) for the paper. – A CPJ News Alert
November 09, 2024: In a sharp rebuttal, anchor Asma Shirazi responded to Moeed Pirzada's allegations, calling him a one-time puppet of the establishment and questioning his commitment to democratic values and human rights.
November 08, 2024: The National Assembly of Pakistan has banned all video recording within Parliament House, citing privacy concerns raised by lawmakers over journalists’ interviews being posted on social media without consent. Violators may face confiscation of devices and restricted access.
November 08, 2024: Pakistani journalist Moeed Pirzada, living in exile, criticizes TV anchor Asma Shirazi for enthusiastically supporting the deportation of Pakistanis in the UK who protested against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, accusing her of disregarding democracy and free speech.
November 06, 2024: Geo News' coverage of the US elections took an unusual turn when the mention of Imran Khan was silenced on air. A "technical fault" muted Donald Trump’s remarks as he reportedly discussed the former Pakistani PM.
November 04, 2024: Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.
November 04, 2024: The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.
November 02, 2024: On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.
October 28, 2024: A former reporter of The Nation appeals to New York Times Chairman A.G. Sulzberger, urging reconsideration of their publishing partnership over alleged unpaid salaries at the Pakistani newspaper.
November 04, 2024 The James B. Steele Fellowship in Investigative Business Journalism offers aspiring journalists comprehensive training and a master's degree from the Cronkite School to develop skills in holding corporations accountable and delivering essential news to the public.
November 01, 2024 Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.
November 01, 2024 The tragic killing of journalist Patricia Ramírez Gonzalez marks the second journalist murdered within 24 hours in Colima, Mexico, spotlighting urgent concerns over press safety in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
October 31, 2024 Tarbell Grants offer awards of $1,000 to $15,000 for journalists covering artificial intelligence. These grants support investigative and explanatory stories on AI’s impacts, company practices, and policy lobbying efforts. Apply now to make a difference in AI accountability.
October 28, 2024 UNESCO's latest report highlights the misuse of financial laws to silence journalists, with findings showing a sharp rise in financial crime allegations against journalists globally. This growing trend poses serious threats to press freedom and media independence.