SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Radio Dabanga - World Press Freedom Day in Sudan: still a lot of work to do

4/5/2021: Radio Dabanga - World Press Freedom Day in Sudan: still a lot of work to do

Radio Dabanga report that Sudanese journalist networks called for more press freedom and made statements against the repression of journalists.

The Sudanese Journalists Union (SJU) criticised the ongoing operations of the National Press and Publications Council, “a repressive institution established by the defunct regime”.

The press council oversees the grant of licenses for newspapers, can impose huge fines on publishing houses, and “often hinders the establishment of new newspapers or restricts media outlets’ ability to ‘open up’ since the revolution.”

Newspapers in Sudan still operate under the “repressive” 2009 law that “the former regime put in place to protect itself, silence mouths and deny press freedom”, according to the SJU.

The law, which the SJU labels “an obstacle to revolutionary journalism”, enables strict state control over the press and journalism with licensing and approval powers, heavy fines, and criminal sanctions for media outlets and journalists.

Newspapers affiliated to the former regime continue to obtain the largest share of government advertisements, the SJU add.