abief report of freedom of press in the world and sudan
TRANSCRIPT
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Sudanpresswatch
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A brief report of freedom of press in the world
and Sudan in
2008
Khartoum, Sudan
www.sudanpresswatch.com
Tel: 002483495432 - 002483495430
Fax: 0024983495431
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The contents of the report
The subject
- Introduction
- The security and protection of journalists in international law
- The winners of the prizes of freedom of the press in 2008
- The third of May.. World Day of Press Freedom
-International Day for the freedom of expression on the Internet
(March 12)
- International Day for the right to knowledge (September-28)
Freedom of the press in the Sudan
- The commencement of the journalistic activity in Sudan
-the development of the law of the press in Sudan and the law of 2004
- General Union of Sudanese journali s Introduction
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The security and protection of journalists in international law
- The winners of the prizes of freedom of the press in 2008
- The third of May.. World Day of Press Freedom
-International Day for the freedom of expression on the Internet (March
12)
- International Day for the right to knowledge (September-28)
Freedom of the press in the Sudan
- The commencement of the journalistic activity in Sudan
-the development of the law of the press in Sudan and the law of 2004
- General Union of Sudanese journalists
-charter of journalistic honesty
- The freedom of the press in Sudan in 2008
- Events and realities of press freedoms in the Sudan in 2008
-the position in the Sudanese newspapers
Indicators of the freedom of the press in 2008 and the results of the
questionnaires
Press freedom worldwide
- The freedom of the press worldwide
- Report of Reporters without Borders in 2008
- Canadian Journalists honor journalists from Sudan Zimbabwe
The freedom of the press in the Arab States
- The freedom of the press in the Arab States
- Violations of freedom of press in Iraq under occupation 21- the
conditions of press freedom in the Palestinian territories
- The conditions of press freedom in Morocco
- The conditions of ress freedom in Yemen
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- The conditions of press freedom in Bahrain
- The conditions of press freedom in the United Arab Emirates
- The freedom of the press in Qatar
- The conditions of press freedom in Mauritania
- The conditions of press freedom in Kuwait
- The conditions of press freedom in Tunisia
- The conditions of press freedom in Somalia
- The conditions of press freedom in Egypt
- The conditions of press freedom in Syria
- The conditions of press freedom in Saudi Arabia
- The conditions of freedom of the press in Algeria
The conditions of freedom in Israel
- Israeli violations of the freedom of the press
Freedoms of the press in Africa
- The conditions of press freedom in South Africa
- The conditions of press freedom in Ethiopia
- The conditions of press freedom in Nigeria
- The conditions of press freedom in Eritrea
-the conditions of freedom of press Burundi
- The conditions of press freedom in Niger
- The conditions of press freedom in Uganda
- The conditions of press freedom in the Democratic of Congo
- The conditions of press freedom in Kenya
- The conditions of freedom of press in Cameroon
Freedoms of the press in Asia
-the conditions of press freedom in Afghanistan
- The conditions of press freedom in Iran
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- the conditions of freedoms press in Sri Lanka
- The conditions of press freedom in India
- The conditions of press freedom in the Philippines
- The conditions of press freedom in Pakistan
- The conditions of press freedom in Cambodia
- The conditions of press freedom in Thailand
-the conditions of freedom of press in Burma
- The conditions of press freedom in China
Freedoms of press in South America
- The conditions of press freedom in Panama
- The conditions of press freedom in Ecuador
- The conditions of press freedom in Cuba
- The conditions of freedom press in Brazil
- The conditions of press freedom in Venezuela
- The conditions of press freedom in the Dominican
- The conditions of press freedom in Guatemala
- The conditions of press freedom in Uruguay
- The conditions of press freedom in Bolivia
The freedom of press in Russia
- The conditions of press freedom in Russia
The freedom of press in the West
-the freedom of press in the West
The freedom of press in North America
-the freedom of press in the United States
- The conditions of freedom press in Canada
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Sudan Press Watch ( SPW) started operation in April 2008 and it committed itself to
defend freedom of press in Sudan and the whole world, as well as the concern of issues
of journalists regarding training , working environment , conditions of service and
press institutions in terms of the economics of newspapers. SPWwas able during the
short period to organize many of debates and training courses for journalists and make
internal and external relations to serve the issues of press freedom, and it is ready to
develop relations with all organizations working in this field locally, regionally and
internationally.
Among its important activities, SPWissued an annual report on the situation of press
freedoms in the Sudan and the whole world in cooperation and based on all availablesources, its report for the third quarter of 2008 has been issued last September, and
before you report the freedom of the press in Sudan and the world for the year 2008,
which will be the first report, God willing.
Difficulties in the preparation of the report
T h e matter of access to information is a first entry of the accuracy of anyreport on press freedom in the world or in any region of it. It is noticeable that there are
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o r ganizations such as Reporters without Borders have correspondents in allparts of the world but in the preparation of the reports face by many difficulties... In this
regard, the General Union of Arab journalists described the reports which classify theArab States by saying: "However, the international reports focus on specific aspects of
the information and then based on a few sources of information, which creates some of
the gaps in their reports ..."it also says " we find that Iraq was ranked first in the volume
of violations of freedom of press .. While we find that Iraq in the middle in the level of
freedoms of the Arab countries in the international reports, which indicates a clear
divergence in the results" the Union added: "These differences require development of
Arab measure to the freedoms of press based on a thorough and careful monitoring of
these freedoms".
Methodology of the report
I n our preparation for this report, we have depended on more than 56 localand Arab and international source to obtain required data for the freedom of the press.
We (SPW)
are committed to a scientific survey and impartial methodology in dealing with the issue
of press freedom globally, regionally and locally. This approach is based on the
following:
(1) The use of questionnaires, which answers to the questions contained therein,
Sudanese journalists and members of the press and the distribution of newspapers. (2)
The monitoring and follow-up to the daily events and news in newspapers related to
press freedoms.
(3) Dealing with regional and global reports on freedom of press in the world for use it
to access to the information, we are committed to the approach we adopted.
That is the approach we have followed in the preparation of this report. We hope to
reach through to defend the rights and freedoms of journalists in the Sudan and the
world. Of course, this report doesnt form all our ambition, but the beginning and we
hope to develop it in the future.
Security and protection of journalists in the international conventions
Why the journalists are subject to the risks?
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Th e journalists in the world are exposed to the risks as they practicingtheir duties. The nature of those risks comes because of their profession that imposing
on them the fact-finding, monitoring and transfer it to the public, including an impact on
public opinion. And that those who violate human rights and committing what isshameful and convicted of crimes and violations and errors do not want people to stand
on the facts as they are, and who are willing to falsify the facts, that the real journalist
threat them.Hence, they are trying to "kill the journalist" in various ways, from
threaten him and even to kill him.
What types of risks which face journalists and from whom?
The risks that face journalists are different in degree from one country to another, but
journalists around the world generally subject to many risks appear in practicing of
different pressures on the journalist physically and morally , including the threat,
interference in the published article, arbitrary dismissal, summoning and inquiry, pre-
T rial detention and imprisonment without trial, imprisonment and abduction ofrelatives to put pressure on the press or kill them (as happened in Iraq), physical
torture, beatings and insults, legal accountability, prosecutions , sentences of
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imprisonment and a fine, the kidnapping and assassinations.The press institutions
subject to prior and subsequent censorship , legal accountability , trials, temporary or
permanent suspension and confiscation of the newspaper with its property. And many
authorities encroach upon the freedom of press , including , foreign occupying forces,
governments and its security and intelligence, its administrative institutions, the armed
movements and organizations of confidentiality.
The involvement of big powers and developing countries alike in the violations:
Carry out of violations of press freedom differ in degree from one country to another,
but international organizations working in the field of human rights and press freedom
continued to record the violations of freedom of press take place by the powerful
countries such as America, Italy and Germany, which is supposed to defend freedom
press, at the same time by the developing world.
Article (19 ) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
T h i s article provides: "Every person has the right to freedom ofopinion and expression, this right includes freedom to hold opinions without
interference, and to obtain information and ideas, receive and impart any media and
regardless of frontiers." This article, which is part of the charters of the United Nations,
had an obligation to the 192 signatories to the Charter and representing the
international organization. But governments do not comply.
An interview about the safety of journalists and internationalhumanitarian law in the media during the war.
A t the site of the Red Cross has been conducting an interview with Ms. "AntonellaNotary," responsible for the draft on the issue of the safety of journalists and
international humanitarian law in the media during the war, under the title: (security
and protection of journalists and their crew and the international humanitarian law
and Media coverage) , Notary confirmed that " the civilian Journalists should be
R espected who in charge of coverage armed conflict and their protection underinternational humanitarian law against any form of intentional attack)
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Article 79 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 as follows: "1- The
journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict
considered persons civilians (2) must be protected as such under the provisions of the
conventions that the" Protocol "provided that it does not take any action detrimental to
their status as civilians."
As indicated in the study of international committee on customary rules of international
humanitarian law (2005) in its base 34 of Chapter 10 to the following: " civilian
journalists working in the professional functions in the areas of armed conflict must be
respected and protected as long as they are not engage in the hostilities.
the international humanitarian law prohibits in all armed conflicts explicitly the
following acts against persons who do not participate actively in hostilities or are
unable to participate: any violence against life and person, in particular murder in all its
forms, mutilation, cruel treatment , torture , taking of hostages, outrages upon personal
dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, the issuance of sanctions and
the implementation of the rule of executions without a previous court of law affordingall the judicial guarantees recognized as essential by civilized peoples.
Committee of Protection of Journalists announces winners of the international
press freedom in 2008
International Network for the exchange of information September 17, 2008
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T h e Committee of Protection Journalists announced the winners of theInternational Press Freedom in 2008: it said:" that Bilal Hussein from Iraq, Danish
Karachi and Faridah Nkzad from Afghanistan, Andrew Mwenda from Uganda and
Hctor Maseda Jutirres from Cuba " they risked their freedom, safety and above all theirlives, to deliver news and to promote freedom of press in their country.
Bellal, the photographer of Associated Press has been released in last April after his
arrest for two years without charge by the U.S. military. Danesh Karuchil is the Director
of Pajuok Afghan News, the leading news agencies in Afghanistan, and Faridah Nkzad is
Managing editor and deputy director of Agency. Andrew Mwenda is one of the most
outspoken and famous journalist in Uganda, he is the founder and chief editor of "The
Independent", the news magazine that draws criticism of the government. The Hctor
Maseda Jutirres was participants in the movement of the independent press in Cuba,
when he was arrested and imprisoned with 28 other journalists have been sentenced to
imprisonment for a term of 20 years. The committee also honored Beatrice Mtetwa, a
lawyer for Human Rights and she is prominent journalist in Zimbabwe, and she
advocate of freedom of press, by giving her Burton Benjamin Memorial Award for
overall achievement which made.
3/ May... Press Freedom Day.
On December 20 of 1993 the United Nations General Assembly ratiied as the 3/ May of
each year to commemorate the day the freedom of the press. The UNESCO has called on
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the third of May 1991, to support the freedom of the press, it issued a statement in this
regard, with name "the statement of Windhoek ", the capital of Namibia, which was
considered the censorship of the press, is flagrant violation of human rights. The
statement defended the freedom of the press and the right of all journalists to work
without fear and in all parts of the world.. as the letter of the Secretary-General of the
United Nations Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day in May 2008M in which he said: " the United Nations to be a relentless advocate for the freedom of
the press, and the men and women who make this freedom vibrant and vital, including
their dedication and for their talent , and the most troubling in this regard is that the
journalists who seek to shed light on the hardships suffered by others, are themselves
becoming targets of abuse."
Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho Ribeiro won the award the UNESCO / Guillermo
Cano World Press Freedom
T h e world celebrated on the third of May 2008 World Press FreedomDay. The Director-General of UNESCO, Matsuura Kwesero announced that the
independent journalist Lydia Cacho Ribeiro from Mexico as winner of the UNESCO /
Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom for 2008. chairman of the Committee on
Arbitration Joethelolithe said : " a strong impression to members of the arbitral tribunal
to the courage of Lydia Cacho Ribeiron, and her continues to expose political corruption,
organized crime and domestic violence, despite the death threats, and the attempt on
her life as well as the legal battles"
The International Day for the freedom of expression on the Internet
T he organization of Reporters Without Borders has announced that in 12 March2008, will organize the irst day of freedom of expression on the Internet, and from now
on, the date of 12 / March will be day to organize activities that denounce the of
censorship on the Internet in the world. "
September 28 the International Day of the right to know
The World Day of the right of knowledge hold every year in September 28 to raise
awareness of the right of everyone to know how to elected officials to exercise their
powers and ways of spending public funds, that have prevailed since 2002.
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The start of journalistic activity in Sudan:
T he modern presses in the Sudan arose in 1903, through the issuance of The "Al-Sudan" newspaper in that year. "Al-Hadarah" (means civilization) newspaper issued in
1919. In thirties literary newspapers published in a relection of the impact of Egypt on
the Sudan. In the early sixties issued "Al-Sahafa", "Al-ayam", "Inbaa Al-Sudan", "Al-
The freedom of the press in Sudan
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Akbar" as political newspapers. And several newspapers issued as mouthpiece of
political parties.
After the revolution of May, led by former President Jaafar Nimeiri 1969 all of the
newspapers became subject to the ruling party ., but after the end of Nimeiri regime ,
and the arrival of the rule of the parties in the 1986 , the elected government decided to
return the nationalized newspapers to the owners , and Council of press and
publications gave licenses to issuance the newspapers , which mounted 109 License,
including the publication of newspapers, magazines and periodicals, then 50
newspapers was published in Sudan including daily, weekly and bi-weekly. .
when The Government of the revolution of Salvation came in 1989 has taken
extraordinary measures which have been suspended all daily newspapers, and " Sudan
Alhadeeth "," Al-Inqaz" issued at that time . but after the mid-nineties the freedoms of
the press spread out , and all people has right to establish companies and to issue the
newspapers , since then the press in Sudan became independent from the state and it
managed by private-sector. (Source : National Council for Press and Publications)
Development of the law of press in Sudan:
The first decree to regulate the profession of journalismwas issued in 1930. In 1973,
the first national law to the press and publications was issued an alternative to colonial
law in 1930 which follow up the Council of Press and Publications that established
under the Press and Publications Act, to the Ministry of Culture and Information .and
the affairs of press were in area of jurisdiction of Ministry of the Interior.
T he National Council for Press and Publications Act was passed In 1993, and inaccording with ,the joint stock companies to the press was established , the law also
aimed at to provide capital for the industry of press and involvement community in it.
There has been development in the law of press after the issuance of the Press Act in
1999, followed by the Press Act in 2004.
Press and Publications Act of the year 2004:
The country is currently operating in accordance with the Press and Publications Act
that was enacted in 33 by the National Council in 2004,which under , the Press Act of1999 was cancelled , to keep all the procedures and regulations and orders issued by
the force to be repealed or amended. We cite here the most important paragraphs of the
law:
The law established, "the National Council for Press and Publication to have a legal
personality, the areas of jurisdiction of the Council are policy-making in the field of
journalism and the work to promote of the profession of journalism and overseeing the
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overall performance of the institutions and media companies. As to the authorities of
the Council are the licensing of press companies and institutions, the press and the
consideration of complaints from those affected by the publication of press articles, and
the signing of the sanctions provided for by law.
The bodies may publish newspapers and press releases and publications are the
companies and political registered organizations or any social corporation or scientific
institution or government unit for the development of scientific and specialist activity
and the foreign communities.
T herights and immunity of the Journalist:The journalist enjoy, in accordance with the law, the rights and immunities as follows: -
* Not to be subjected to any unlawful act to influence his/her fairness or integrity orcommitment to their professional duties.
* Protection of his/her journalistic sources.
*Not to subjected to the responsibility when he convey the information or expression of
opinion, except in accordance with the provisions of the law
* With the exception of red-handed in crime, it is not authorized to arrest journalist on
charges related to the exercise of the journalistic profession only after notification to the
President of the General Union of journalists.
* Each and every public official or a person who in possession of information concerning
the state and society to make such information available to journalists, unless they have
already classified under the law as the information may not be published.
* The journalist may not be dismissed from his work only after the notification of the
General Union of journalists with reasons of the dismiss , and If the period of month
ended , and the Union failed to reconcile between the newspaper and journalist , the
two parties to seek a decision from the provisions of the Employment Act 1997.
Duties of the journalist in accordance with law in 2004:
* The journalist has to be honest and sincere in his journalistic career with a
commitment to journalistic principles and values enshrined in the Constitution and law.
* the journalist has to no publish any confidential information relating to the security of
the country or the regular forces, and he must take information from the spokesman of
the force concerned.
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General Union of Sudanese journalists
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new law to the press and publications passed In 1993 which has allowed publication of
newspapers through public shareholding companies. After a three-year experiment , the
law was amended to make possible the publication of newspapers by the public and
private companies and individuals and the Journalists Union in the same year in 1993
the same private law.
The law of professional associations passed in 1995, which regulates trade union action,
under which the General Union of Sudanese journalists was established with period of
five years.
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The Charter of the press honesty
The Charter of the press honesty issued in 2008 as the following text:
We pledge (Sudanese Journalists) to full commitment to the professional and
behavioral principles and values which contained in the Charter of press
honesty, and we will respect it voluntarily or choice, no matter how tempting
and means of sticks and carrots, and ways of the carrot and the carrot.
We commit ourselves first:
to defend the interests of the country, its unity, survival, safety, institutions,
methods of defense, and the interest of citizens, and the distance from the
betrayal, suspicion and betrayal of the duties of the nation, and to observe
the laws, and respect for religions, customs, traditions, and to protect
national, physical and moral gains, and we will exert the lives, money and
pens.
Wecommit ourselves secondly:
to respect basic human rights in the areas of civic , economic, political, social
, cultural life, in accordance with the laws and customs, values and Sudanese
virtuous legacies, the human values in our local, regional and international
environment and to work to preserve it with our pens individually and
through our professional unions and associations .
We commit ourselves thirdly:
to respect and protect morals , ethics, religious values and its believers, also
to protect honors , special secrets, sanctity of individuals and corporations ,
and non-violation of public shame , and to intend to responsibility and
justice in the criticism and correction .
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Wecommit ourselves fourthly:
We pledge to be fair in saying, writing, integrity, accuracy in reportnews, and the expression and the transparency in delivery of the facts tothe public, and circulation information among the people with sincerely
and balance, the general sense of national responsibility to achieve
consultation and exchange news and views to achieve the objectives of
comprehensive development and purification all aspects of life to the
country and all mankind.
We commit ourselves fifthly
To protect the administration of justice in the country, keeping away fromany action that would influence the course of justice or prejudice of any of
the parties in litigation before the courts.
We commit ourselves sixth
to fight against all forms of corruption and predatory behavior that harms
the interests of the country and good values in the fields of economy,
politics, governance and Sociology or any other activity.
Wecommit ourselves seventh:
to avoid harmful excitement on the interests of the community, stay away
from desires of material greed and the temptations of economic profit
when dealing with professional work and management of press
institutions, and in dealing with journalists and to determine their rights
and duties of employment, and follow up the strong, trusty journalistic
traditions in dealing with information materials and written
advertisements.
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We commit ourselves eighth:
To deepen the spirit of fraternity, cooperation, support and
professional fellowship in the press community as whole. Alsokeeping away from innuendo and bickering and personal
defamation, and to avoid contributing to seed hatred among the
general public or journalists in particular. We commit ourselves
ninth:
to work hard to confirm the well-being and respect for veterans and
senior journalists, and to emphasize the care and training and
guidance for beginners and young journalists, and inspire the spirit
of cooperation and affirmation of the right of both personal and
syndicates, and to take effective and concrete measures to achievethe coherence and strength of the press entity to achieve the lofty
mission of the press.
Wecommit ourselves tenth:
To stick together with the values of the right locally, regionally and
globally, to communicate with word and deed with the press and
journalists in Africa and the Arab countries and developing countries
and the rest of the world, and we promise of this commitment, and
God is the best witness.
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The issue of the economics of newspapers has an influential role in the freedom ofpress, because the question of the advertisement and distribution has effects on the
that is written in the newspapers, as well as Sudanese Journalists suffering of problems
of wages , working environment and poor training .. On this basis, SPW focused on this
matter and set up a symposium under the title (the economics of the newspapers) in
cooperation with the "Al-Sahafa" newspaper. On the other hand, newspapers publishershave decided to raise the price of the paper than fifty piaster to one pound, but they
retreated from that before the implementation because of their sense that there is
strong opposition to that trend.
All Khartoum newspapers distribute 185 thousand copies
Al-Sahafa newspaper, Tuesday July 15, 2008 No (5409)
Workshop organized by the National Council for Press and Publications, in cooperation
with the Hawass Center for press and documentation has revealed decline in the
distribution of Sudanese newspapers. The managers of distribution companiesconfirmed existence of real problems in the distribution of newspapers in the capital
and states. The workshop cleared that the average daily volume of production of
Sudanese newspapers in 2007 was 650 thousand copies, declined to 550 thousand
copies in the year 2008, and the average daily sales volume of 450 thousand copies
declined to 400 thousand copies in the year 2008, while the average size distribution,
which compete for political newspapers a day in 2006, 161 thousand copies, rose to 225
thousand copies in the year 2007, and then collapsed in 2008 to 185 thousand copies
only.
The freedom of press in Sudan in 2008
The issue of the economics of news a ers
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Training of the journalists
although the Press Act 2004 provides that (allocate a certain percentage of the
Foundation's funds to spend on media training, as determined by the regulations.), But
the Sudanese newspapers have not done so, newspapers and attributes this failure toinsufficient revenue with and income, therefore, other authorities took the issue of
training, including the National Press Council And the General Union of Sudanese
journalists and the Sudan Press Watch (SPW) and other organizations. The (SPW)
promised to provide the opportunities of training to the reporters.
The event of freedom of press in the Sudan 2008
The issue of "Alwan" newspaper:
In May 2008, following the failed invasion on city of Omdurman by the Justice and
Equality Movement, Alwan daily newspaper headed by Mr. Hussein Khodjaly (editor-in-chief) issued news on the first page dealt with the issue of military-related nature of the
invasion by the Justice and Equality Movement on the city of Omdurman was not
included in the relevant data.The competent authorities considered that the news
expose the paper to face the Press Act in 2004, and under the article 6 andof the
National Security Forces Act of 1999, as amended in 2004. Accordingly, Alwan
newspaper subjected to the closure.
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Lifting of the ban on the headquarters of Alwan
I n August 2008, Sudanese newspapers reported news story entitled (the liftingof the ban on the headquarters of the Alwan for printing and publishing company ...
Security Service undertakes keeping of all freedom issues) , the text of news was :" the
director-General of the National Security and Intelligence , Salah Abdullah issued
directive to lift the ban on the headquarters of the Alwan for printing and publishing
company . He reiterated his full support and commitment to responsible press freedom
which will be directed to the national issues through the Sudanese press in coordination
and consultation with all press institutions in the country to service the homeland and
citizens.
Arrest of chief editors in Sudan and charged with publishing false news
Asharq Al Awsat newspaper , February 20, 2008
KHARTOUM: Ismail Adam
Again, the relationship between the press and the Sudanese government strained, the
prosecution arrested 8 journalists, including 4 editors-in-chief, some to 25 hours and
others for more than 9 hours of the investigation, after their newspapers published
news attributed to sources, on the transfer of police officers to retire and promotion of
others. The police considered the news are false.
In reaction to the step, the journalists marched an angry demonstration, denouncing the
move as illegal and infringe upon the freedom of t press, as they waved slogans bearing
such meanings. The protesters demanded the newspapers to boycott the news of police.
The journalists recognized the error that occurred in the news, but they believe that the
actions which have been taken undermine the freedom of press and in contravention of
the laws.
A judicial complaint against the Al-Intibaha newspaper
Intibaha ,Monday, March 31, 2008
The Complaints Commission of the National Council for Press and Publications has
advised the governor of South Kordofan state, represented in Hisham Ali Saleh to resort
to the judiciary in the complaint made by the governor against Intibaha newspaper
because it published press coverage entitled (what is happening in the South
Kordofan?), on March 31, No (458) .. The commission said in its resolution adopted
unanimously, it handled in the meeting No. (831) on 32 March 2008 on the complaint
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and it concluded that the publishing by the newspaper is committed professional side in
accordance with applicable law and the Charter of the press honor.. as to documents
contained in the complaint require data and assess that is not available to the
Complaints Committee of the National Council press releases and publications, and
therefore advised the complainant to go to court ..
Approval of return work of the joint mechanism between the Council and the
editors and the national security
April 16, 2008
The enlarged meeting which was held on House of Sudanese Journalists Union,which brought together Union and chief editors of political daily newspapers and Press
Department of the national security, has approved activation of the joint mechanism
between the Council of Press and the chief editors of newspapers and the national
security. Also was agreed not to send the papers to the headquarters of national
security with activation the Charter of the press honor which is agreed upon by
journalists.The meeting had focused largely on the issue of censorship, where speakers
stressed their rejection of such censorship and overcome this phase as soon as possible.
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Cooperation between the United Nations and the Union of Journalists in the areas
of training
Chairman of the Press Syndicate Mohedin Tetaoi , with presence of the secretary
general Fateh Alsaid and the secretariat of the training Asamwl Amin Awad, met with
Director of Information Office of the United Nations in Sudan Mr. Khalid Mansour.
Manor affirmed during the meeting cooperation with the General Union of Sudanese
journalists in the fields of training and capacity-building for the journalists.
Housing of Sudanese journalists:
Delivery of 500 houses to reporters in coming April and new presentation for the
third time in May:
The deputy head of the Sudanese Journalists Union Mr. Abdullah Abid has
announced handing over 500 houses to journalists in the housing project organized by
the Journalists Union in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Public
Utilities of Khartoum, state during the month of April.
Obaid praised the efforts of the Minister, Abdel-Wahab and his positive positions to
deliver the houses to those who paid the amount of six million (3000 dollars) as a
provider premiums. And they will deliver the remaining houses who will pay the
amount of six million over the past few months for the month of October. Abid said that
250 houses will be handed over in Sharq Alneel and alike in Alsawra region.
And at the same level, Abdullah Abid announced the response of the Minister to the
Union's request to open the presentation to those who have missed the opportunity
during the month of May.
Celebrations of Press Freedom Day on 3/ May 2008
Sudan and the world celebrated on the third of May 2008 Press Freedom Day. SPW
expressed concern about the situations of press freedom at the local, regional and
international level including, assassinations and attacks against journalists. The SPW
said in a statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, it is very concerned
about toward Mock trials, unfair arrests, kidnappings, detention and the threat tojournalists.
The General Union of Sudanese journalists issued a statement on this occasion ,
emphasizing its adherence to the principle of freedom of press, and welcomed the
release of journalist Sami al-Hajj. The EU called in to expedite the amendment of the
Press Law, leading to law support and develop the profession and beyond faults in the
current law where in line with the constitutional developments in the country. The EU
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rejected the prejudice to the freedoms and rights of journalists and to create trouble for
them and weaken their ability to address the issues in the entire world, including the
Sudan.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day
SPWcalls for opposition attacks against the freedom of press
Khartoum: May 3, 2008
SPWissued a statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which was:(in this third day of May, which is World Press Freedom Day, SPW watches with great
concern the situations of press freedom at the local level, regional and global levels:
1- Assassinations and assaults against journalists and correspondents and
photographers in the conflict zones and beyond.
2- Mock trials and unfair arrests, abductions, imprisonment and threats against
journalists in various parts of the world.
3- Restrictions and censorship on newspapers and confiscation and limit the
freedom of journalists to express their views and to shackle the press with laws
which limit its freedom.
SPWcalls upon all governments to stop all forms of attacks on press freedomsand journalists, emphasizing the need to give them information so that they can
perform their duties in the service of their communities. On World Press
Freedom Day ,SPWasks God to have mercy upon the journalist Mr. Mohammed
Taha Mohammed Ahmed and other journalists who have been killed or dead, it
renewed pleased and welcomed the release of journalist Sami al-Hajj and
requests to be released to confirm lofty meanings and the calling for the exercise
of free and fair press .
SPWwelcomes the release of Sami al-Hajj
Khartoum: Sudan in May 2008
SPWissued a statement on the occasion of release Sami Al-Hajj stated: (SPW
welcomes the release of Sami al-Haj and his colleagues who remain in detention
in Guantanamo prison for more than six years without trial or specific charges in
flagrant violation of human rights and international covenants. SPW condemns
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all forms of attacks against journalists in all world, including assassinations,
arrests and unfair trials and various forms of harassment against them in the
performance of their work. In the context of preserving the freedom of press,
SPWexpresses concerns of any conditions associated with the release of Sami
al-Haj prevents him from natural right to freedom of movement within and
outside Sudan and work in his previous position of Al Jazeera channel or any
other site he chosen for the conduct of his profession.)
Supreme Court acquit (Al-Sudani) daily and ERWA and Madani
Al-Sundi 4/5/2008 No (888)
The Supreme Court has acquitted Al-Sudani newspaper in the case of the national
security and intelligence, the paper considered the decision of the Court of Appeal to
convict the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Sudani Mahjoub Erwa and adviser of Editor Noordin
Madani is contrary to the legal measures. On the other hand, legal experts considered
that the decision of the Supreme Court agrees with the law and represents a true victoryfor justice and freedom of the press and an affirmation of the independence and
impartiality of the judiciary.
Press conference with ministry of interior
Alwatan: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 No (1779)
In an important meeting held yesterday between Minister of Interior Ibrahim Mahmud
Hamid, General Mohamed Naguib, Dr. Adel Alaajp, and the chief editors of newspapers
and the media with a joint arrangement between press office of the police and the
Sudan News Agency (SUNA) has reviewed the all issues relating to the management andfunctions of Sudanese police.
Following the press conference, the Minister of Interior and the Director General of
Police and his deputies met with editors-in-chief in private, where they came out,
repeating (no grudge between us), referring to strained the relations and
misunderstandings between the police and newspapers in the past months, where
everybody sticks to open a new page in the service of the sacred national partnership
between the press and the police and all organs of the State.
Intibaha resume publication tomorrow
Alwifaq: Monday, May 26, 2008 No (3533)
Intibaha newspaper will resume publication tomorrow on Tuesday after the lifting of
suspension, which it announced earlier because of practices of some employees of the
Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) in National Security toward the newspaper.
The Administration confirmed that the lifting of the suspension came after agreement
with the official authorities.
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Council of Press drops complaint against the (Sudani) the Sudandi: Monday May 26,
2008 No (910)
The Commission of complaints in the National Council for press and publications hasdecided to drop complaint presented by Professor Bushra Hassabu against the Al-Sudani newspaper because of the absence of a violation of law of the press. The
commission said in its decision and the merits of the complaint that it had decided after
meeting to drop the complaint unanimously. The Committee found (there was no
violation to the law of press and publications for the year 2004).
General Union concern on the displacement of journalists
Rayaam: Monday June 2, 2008 No (3846)
the General Union of journalists expressed concern about the displacement of number
of journalists , warning that the current risks which surrounding the field ofinvestment in the journalism, which had led to the suspension of a number of
newspapers from publishing . The Union called on these institutions to meet their
obligations.
Cancellation licenses from 3 newspapers
Alsahafa: Monday June 16, 2008 No (5381)
The National Council for the press and publications has requested from the court to
withdraw a license of 3 political newspapers which are "(Alhayat), (Alkabar) and
(Aladwaa) for violating the terms of the license. The Council demanded the departmentsof these newspapers and the competent authorities in meeting held yesterday to
guarantee the rights of journalists before embarking on their final liquidation.
Journalists Union declares its solidarity with the workers in suspended
newspapers
Al-Sudani: Tuesday June 24, 2008 No (939)
Chairman of the Press Syndicate, Mohiuddin Tetaoi has embarked on making contacts
with the concerned authorities to solve the issue of (Alwan) newspaper, which was
recently closed, and he reiterated the position of the Union of Journalists and stand insolidarity with the journalists working in these papers. Tetaoi said to (Al-Sudani) after
meeting, organized by journalists yesterday in house of Journalists in Union, that they
seek to address the situation of the workers who lost their jobs or re-issuance of the
paper or assimilation in other institutions.
A group Minawi'Movement attack journalist
Rayashap: Wednesday, 6-25-2008 No (849)
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A group from Minni Minawi, Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLP/A) attackedyesterday journalist Abdullah Mohammed Isaac in its headquarters in Omdurman.
Isaac said to (Al-Sudani) newspaper that he had been invited to the meeting by the
leaders of the (SPL/A) at their headquarters , but he was taken aback by the attack in
front of the hall filled with attendance and forcibly they took him to one of the offices.
Isaac registered communication under Articles 143 of minor damage and 164 violation
of the privacy in Omdurman Police Station and the measures still under way.
Journalists Union confirms that Ocampo'claims on the SMC is false
July 16, 2008
The General Union for Sudanese journalists has confirmed that the claims presentedby Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court , Ocampo are null legally andtraditionally and it doesnt based on any logic , stating that accusation of the Sudanese
Media Center (S. M. C) by Ocampo is misleading to the local and foreign media on the
issue of Darfur. The Union described the accusation as shameful and far from the truth.
"The (S.M.C) can't influence international and local opinion, and also that the
international and Western press does not draw its information from (S.P.W), The
General Union expressed its full rejection of the intervention of the International
Criminal Court in the Sudanese media.
Council Press expressed concern over to foment sedition by some newspapers
Akhr Lahza: Monday 11/8/2008 No (731)
the National Council for Press and Publications has expressed its concern over conduct
some of the newspapers in English and Arabic, which used to foment ethnic hatred and
provoke tribalism among citizens of the country , at a time , when the country witnesses
intensive efforts to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the council
asserted during its regular meeting held yesterday at its headquarters that continuation
this approach in Sudanese press would negatively affect the future of the nation and its
integrity , At the time surrounded by a lot of threats and risks.
Shaikan calls for the Sudanese Journalists for bringing them under umbrella of
medical insurance
Akbar Alyaom: Thursday, News 8-28-2008 No (4989)
Follow-up: Buthaina Abulgassim:
official of medical insurance in Shaikan Insurance company D.Adil Alaalim affirmed
their readiness to offer the best types of medical insurance services to sector of
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journalists , In recognition of their effective role in the country . Alaalim stressed that
The process has already begun by addressing the General Union of Sudanesejournalists on the need for registration of all journalists under the umbrella of
insurance, stressing the need for discussing on how it is, then go back to the company.
This came in the framework of the activities of the training course held by the company
solidarity with the public relations and management training.
Graduation new group of Arab journalists from Aljazeera Center
Eman Nassar: Qatari Raya:
Anew group of journalists have finished their practical training in camp of freeword and media factory to work in field of Arab journalism, they equipped with
professional standards devised by Al Jazeera Channel. Twenty-three persons from
Sudan specialized in the field of media. the graduation ceremony to celebrate Sudanese
media men hosted by the jazeera Center was attended by the Sudanese)
Law of the press to where?
A summary from Ajras Alhuriya, Sunday 31/8/2008 No (133) follow-up: Muzammal
Altayeb
The National Council for Press and Publications in coordination with University of
Khartoum has organized the first Media symposium under the title (the law of the pressto where ..?) In Sharjah Hall on Wednesday, 27/8/2008...
The director of the symposium , Murtada Algali has addressed the importance of the
Press and Publications Act in this delicate situation in the country, stressing that there
is a real problem facing the Press and the press law in terms of content must be
commensurate with the political development of the country. the Secretary-General of
the National Council for Press and Publications, Dr. Hashim Al-jazz stressed the
importance of this forum for its scientific neutrality and justice .Al-jazz added that they
after passing of press law in 2004, they intended to amend it with 200 personal interest
in the press and media area, but they are not safe from vitriol after passing of the law.He mentioned
that the Council issued a decision, that the Council will not leave any of the draft,
considering that it was implementing the law, saying that the decision was correct , Al-
jaz added when the Committee of Information headed by Yasser Arman came to meet
us , we put our vision to contribution away from a draft because that will be a function
of the Council. He pointed out to the six-party Joint Committee between the National
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Assembly and Council of press, which provided many of papers in the council, and the
talk was about freedom of press and promotion of its effective role in the next stage.
Director of the Center for future trends, Dr. Mohamed Mahjoub Haroun indicated that
the center supports the democratization process with funding from UNDP and put (4)
laws, which are the draft Law on radio and television, satellite transmission, free access
to information and the draft press law. The journalist, Faisal Mohamed Saleh said" I
thought that we have buried this law, namely, the law in 2004 and we thought that all
government institutions have agreed with us that this law had been buried, the
commission of information in the National Council invited us in 2006 for the workshop
on the press law 2004 , I mentioned that the press law has some of faults .
D. Mohieddin Tetaoi pointed out that the press of laws continued with its amendments
continued in different eras, it does not buried one day since 1978. He added that the
amendments of the Union of Journalists is the transfer of journalistic qualification to
the Union instead of council of press and return of the subordination of the printing
presses to the council of press and the rule to be elected from little number ofjournalists and a few figures of the community.
Kordofan honors its media
Al-sahafa: Monday 1/9/2008 No (5456)
City of Alobeid celebrated last Thursday its citizens who working in media. The
ceremony, organized by General Union for Students , attended by Presidential Adviser
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Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail , the state Governor, Dr. Faisal Hassan Ibrahim and members
of his government , former governor state Ghulamedin Osman, head of commission of
resettlement in Darfur Musa Maadibo. The cultural night began with musical and
dramatic presentations from Palestinian Band for Folk Dance and Kordofan Arts Band.
Then honoring the persons who working in media and they have been given (shields)...
Handed over by the Officials state and the members of the Union.
Press Council suspends two newspapers
KHARTOUM: Alahdath: Tuesday 2/9/2008
Council of Press has suspended, "Sudan Tribune" and "Citizen" newspaper yesterday.
the owners of the tow newspapers William Ezekiel and Niall Paul said that the National
Council for Press and Publications suspended publication of two newspapers dailies,
which means virtually closed them until further notice , while the Council stressed the
suspension of two newspapers, but insisted that decision of suspension issued for
"administrative" reasons and not political.Reuters quoted a spokesman for the Council
that the suspension of two newspapers because of absence of their editors-in-chief out
of Khartoum in accordance with their licenses.
SPWwelcomes return Sudan tribune to publish, and hope return of (thecitizen)
SPW: 6/9/2008
SPWexpressed its deep concern over decision of the National Press and Publications to
suspend the issuance of (Sudan Tribune) and (Citizen) in English. And with the decision
to allow the Sudan Tribune newspaper to continue its work, however, the SPW
welcomed and appreciated the decision of the council , but expresses its concern for
suspension (Citizen) newspaper until now . SPW calls upon the Government of National
Unity (GNU) to play its part in the protection of the profession of journalism and
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journalists , it also call on the Council of Press to urge the State to support economies
of newspapers and expand the scope of freedoms , and hopes the Council will not
Resort to any suspension or sentence that may harm workers at newspapers. SPWalso demand departments of newspapers to take into account the interests of workersand interest of the profession to avoid the reasons that might lead to the suspension
and the displacement of workers.
Press Council to move the legal and administrative procedures against Al
(Captain) and (Mireq)
Akir Lahza: Tuesday 9/9/2008
the National Council for Press and Publications Press decided to move legal and
administrative procedures against (Captain) and (Mireq) newspapers for the
application of the judicial ruling issued by the press court on 17/ September last yearagainst 5 Newspapers. The council said in a statement yesterday, it has noted that the
tow newspapers disavowed what they pledging not to return to the insults and address
of the personal lives of individuals.
Sami al-Hajj honored during a global conference of journalists Alastqsaiien Intibaha
September 14, 2008 Oslo - The Norwegian Institute agencies honored for investigative
journalism and in the presence of more than 500 international press, journalist Sami al-
Haj, who is now working on the island, a producer of news .. To what it describes as the
Foundation of Norway, daring, his courage and steadfastness on the principle of media.
The Haj unveiled bargains for U.S. release during the investigation, stressing that U.S.intelligence confirmed to him in the first days of his arrest that he had been arrested by
mistake, but can not release him. Sami al-Haj confirmed the presence of intelligence
officers and soldiers from various countries, including Israel. He said al-Hajj: (I think
that the Americans used to manage Balisrailiyn Guantnamo Bay, because they have
experience in the management of such detention to arrest Palestinians).
Sudan Press Watch regrets the situation of press freedoms in the third quarter of 2008
the site of the Sudan Press Watch issued 20/9/2008 m Sudan Watch said this week its
report on the third quarter of this year on which he expressed regret and concern at the
killings and torture And kidnapping against journalists in the world during the third
quarter of this year, provided through the monitoring of the situation of press freedoms
and the problems facing the profession in Sudan and the Arab and African worlds and at
the global level.
Sami al-Hajj honored during a global conference to investigative journalists
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Al-Intibaha: Oslo- Agencies September 14, 2008
The Norwegian Institute for investigative journalism has honored, in the presence ofmore than 500 international journalists, Sami al-Haj, who is now working on the
Aljazeera Channel as a producer of news ..the Norwegian Institute described Sami al-
Hajj with courage and persistence to the principle of media .
The Haj unveiled U.S. bargains for release him during the investigation, stressing that
U.S. intelligence confirmed to him in the first days of his arrest that he had been
arrested by mistake, but it can't release him.
He also confirmed presence of intelligence officers and soldiers from various countries,
including Israel. (I think that the Americans used to Israelis to manage Guantnamo Bay,
because they have experience in the management of such detention to arrest
Palestinians) He added.
SPWregrets the situation of press freedoms in the third quarter of 2008
SPWsite 20/9/2008
SPWhas issued this week its report on the third quarter of this year on which expressed
regret and concern on the killings, torture and kidnapping against journalists in the
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world during the third quarter of this year.SPWprovided through the report monitoring
to the situations of freedoms Press and the profession to the problems of journalism in
Sudan, Arab and African worlds and at the global level.
WIPO honors a number of Sudanese journalists
Khartoum: Akir Lahza Sunday 28/9/2008 No (779)
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) honors this evening, a number of
Sudanese journalists in House of General of Union for Sudanese Journalists under the
auspices of Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Mohammed Yusuf Abdullah. Director
General of (WIPO),Dr. Kamil Idris, who was attended to the country specifically for this
event , would decorate gold medals and certificates to some journalists for their
intellectual and cultural efforts during the long years of work . A ceremony would
attend by a group of political, executive, cultural and media leaders.
Arrest of chief editor in South Sudan
ALahdath: agencies 12/10/2008
Editor-in-chief of (Citizen) ,English newspaper, Paul Niall revealed yesterday he was
detained by the authorities in Southern Sudan after publishing an article which criticize
the large salaries paid to officials at the Ministry of Legal Affairs in southern Sudan. Paul
said by telephone from a police station in the southern capital, Juba, that he has been
accused of defamation and publishing false information.
Accusations against Sudanese journalists of receiving funds from U.S
Khartoum October 14, 2008:
Akir Lahza daily published in on Tuesday, October 13 that f 3 Sudanese English-
language newspapers and 16 Sudanese journalists has received large inancial support
,amounted 223,716 $ .the paper added one of the objectives of support is publishing
new newspaper to support American vision to the situations in Sudan. The National
Council for Press and publications has announced forming commission of investigation
on this matter, and to confirm the integrity of the Sudanese press center.
SPW welcomes the wining Sami al-Hajj the international press from (Canadian
Journalists for Free Expression) Khartoum 9/11/2008
SPWhas issued a statement in Khartoum on 9-11 / 2008 Saying: SPW welcomes the
International Press Freedom Award, presented by the Canadian Journalists for Free
Expression, which won by a Sudanese journalist Sami al-Hajj along with the journalist
Cikman Muajjari, correspondent of the "Zimbabwe Independent" and the Canadian
journalist C. Gym Bolling. SPW welcomes the prize which will be submitted at Toronto
on December 8, 2008, it believes that it relects the global solidarity with the
information and support the issues of press and freedom of expression.
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Press court condemns (Al-Sudani) and (Al-Maydan) newspapers of harmful lying
Khartoum: S. M. C 15/11/2008
The Court of Press has issued judgment which convicts and fines Al-Sudani
newspaper, in the communication No. 97 registered by the National Security because of
false publishing on detentions of National Security. The court had convicted earlier Al-
Maydan newspaper under article 66 of the Criminal Code in conjunction with article 26
and 27 of the Press and Publications Act. The National Security accused the editor-in-
chief, the photographer in addition to the two speakers to the newspaper, who claimed
that they have been tortured by the National security, of false lying.
Journalists walking to the National Assemply in protest against censorship:
Khartoum November 17, 2008
Sudanese journalists walk in procession to the National Assembly in Omdurman toprotest against censorship, but the police has detained them for several hours, as some
newspapers ceased publication for a day to protest against censorship. the International
Network for the exchange of information said at its site : (Ajras Alhuriya ) " and other
newspapers from Khartoum led demonstrations against the censorship of the media in
Sudan. On the following day, 10 newspapers refrained from publishing for a daydeployment, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Earlier this month, more
than 50 Sudanese journalists went on hunger strike for a day, and 3 newspapers,
including "Ajras Alhuriya ", to close its doors for 3 days, according to Article 19 and the
Arabic Network for Human Rights Information. Also the writers decided to withdraw
their columns.
Position of the Sudanese newspapers:
Certified journalistic companies until August 2008
1. House of Sharaf for press, printing and publishing / January 2008 / a private
company.
2. Masarat Gadeeda for the production of information / February 2008 / private
company
3. Mathabah for multi-activities / March 2008 / private company.
4. Port Sudan Madinati for multi- activities / May 2008 / private company
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5. Alamjad for printing and publishing, researches and investment / May 2008 /
private company
6. Alarbaeen for Press and Publishing and Media Production / May 2008 / private
company
7. Salawat for limited publication / July 2008 / private company.
8. Taba for Information Ltd. / August 2008 / a private company.
9. Alhisn of information Ltd/ August 2008 / private company
The Batran Co. Ltd and other companies have been ratified.
Newspapers which issued until December 2008
The newspapers which published in Sudan until December 2008 reached to 53
newspapers , including 33 comprehensive political daily newspapers, , and 4
newspapers in English, target English speakers of Sudanese and non-Arab presence ,
10 newspapers sports and 6 social newspapers . There are certiied newspapers and
under preparation for publication. The newspapers which issued during 2008 are:
1- Ajras Alhuriya / February 2008 / political daily
2- Al-Kurah / March 2008 / sports daily
3- Port Sudan Madinati / April 2008 / political daily
4- Almajd / May 2008 / social News
5- Alakar / July 2008 / daily political
6- Habib Albalad / July 2008 / sports daily
7- Arrayed / August 2008 / political daily
8- Alsharq Alduwalya / August 2008 / daily political
9- Almustagila / December 2008 / political daily
10-Alhurra
11-Alaasima
Statistics of professional journalists during 1994 - 2008
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professional journalists at the end of the year 2007 amounted 3372 journalists ,
including 3143 males and 229 females, and number of associate journalists is
496,including 372 males and 124 females. Until August 2008 the number rose to
3552 professional journalist, and a total of associate journalists are 542.
Newspapers which administratively suspended during 2008
1. Alsharie Alsiyasi 2- Alwan (the emergency law) 3-Alhayat Wannas 4- Alwihda
5- Citizen 6- Almuraqib 7- el-Hilwah. 8- Sawt alummah 9- Alsaha 10-
Almuntakab 11-Almajd.
Sanctions against Sudanese newspapers from January to August 2008
Advertising:
PenaltiespoliticalsocialSportTotal
Suspension11_1
Warning9_413
Reprimand158427
Correction10_111
Draw the attention2__2
No suit3_25
Apology4_26
Compromise____
Total6181988
The regulation has defined in respect of advertisement that the newspapers
have to abide by 60% of the irst page as (maximum) and 40% for editing.
Indicators of freedom of press in Sudan in 2008 and the results of the
questionnaires:
Indicators of press freedom in international and regional reports:
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There are many indicators in the world to measure the freedom of pressin different countries. Reporters without Borders say, for example, they had
adopted in one of its reports on one hundred and forty-an indication to classify
the world countries with respect to press freedoms. One of the important
indicator is the ownership of the newspapers and whether these newspapers
follow the Government or the private sector and parties, because the ownership
of newspapers to the government cancels its freedom. The Arab Journalists
Union has adopted in his irst report (2005) its description to the structure of
Arab society and indicator of freedom of Arab Journalists, indicator of Arab press
freedom, indicator of the country's relations with the Arab press community and
the forms of press censorship on the Arab press.
On the other hand , the High Council of Information in Jordan has adopted in his
report to the 2007 indicator of media freedom, freedom of editors-in-chief,
indicators of managers of media institutions, an indicator of freedom of
journalists. the High Council also addressed the media environment in the form
of Act No. 27 of 2007 which has amended to the Press and Publication Act, the
law guaranteeing the right of access to information No. 47 of 2007 , and also
growing number of newspapers, magazines and electronic media, training, and
expand cooperation with Arab and international institutions.In the details of the
indicators mentioned above, the questionnaires consider one of the means of
measuring freedom of press., such questionnaires often focus on indicators of
murder, kidnapping, detention, torture, interrogation, trial, threats, dismissal,
withholding of information, pressure to reveal sources and other indicators for
the journalists. As for the newspapers and press institutions, there are indicators
of ownership of the newspapers, censorship, and closure of newspapers,
confiscation of the means of production, complaints, accountability, prosecutions
and other indicators.
Indicators of freedom of press in the report (SPW)
For the Sudan the issue of freedom of press goes beyond the ownership ofnewspapers and freedoms of journalists and journalistic institutions to
economics of newspapers and conditions of journalists , therefore , the issue of
the economics of newspapers appeared (distribution, advertising, cost and
revenue), and the situation of journalists in terms of conditions of service among
the indicators . The questionnaires concluded questions related to the legal and
administrative environment and distribution of newspapers in states and
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(3) There are bulletin news and periodical publications issue by various
institutions owned by the public sector or private or professional
associations.
The circle of the private sector has expanded in the field of journalism, and
the press companies in Sudan reached at the end of 2007, 31 companies and
10 companies were added to it until August 2008 to become the 41
companies operating in the field of publishing newspapers and magazines.
And the publishing of newspapers increasing constantly, has reached 50
newspapers in Sudan until November 2008, including 30 political
newspapers, 4 English- newspapers which target non-Arab speaker, 10
sports newspapers, 6 social newspapers. And there are certiied newspapers
under preparation for publication.
Indicator of Press and Publications Act:
through questionnaires, we find that the majority of answers focused on tosay that the Press and Publications Act of 2004 contains a good articles for
the press and journalists, but need to modify some of its items and to suit the
stage for the holding of elections and The next democratic freedoms and
political party. the Union of Journalists has demanded to amend the law.
many seminars were held to deal with the different views in this regard, and
there are views of the members of the Press Council and views of editors-in-
chief and Journalists and various political forces . The new law under
discussion until the preparation of this report.
The press Act provides for the following:
(The rightand immunity of the Journalist:
28-1- the journalist enjoys rights and immunities as follows: -
A. Not to be subjected to any unlawful act to influence his fairness or integrity
or commitment to his professional duties.
B. protection of his journalistic sources of information.
C-. Not to be subjected to accountability when he convey the information or
expression of opinion, except in accordance with the provisions of the law. d.
Except in cases of flagrante delicto, may not arrest the journalist on any
charge related to the exercise of the journalistic profession, only after
notification to chairman of the General Union of journalists.
2. Each and every public official or a person who in possession of information
concerning the state and society to make such information available to
journalists, unless they have already classified under the law as the
information may not be published.
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3- May not dismiss the journalist from his work only after the notification of
the General Union of journalists the reasons of the dismissal ,and If the Union
of Journalist failed to compromise between the newspaper and journalist
during one month , the parties must to seek a decision from the provisions
of the Employment Act of 1997.
4- The Council should take appropriate action to ensure the rights and immunity of
the journalist.
Indicators of freedom press in the Sudan in the light of results of
questionnaires:
SPWhas presented 6 questionnaires to the editors-in-chief of newspaper,
journalists, and distribution companies, owners of stalls of distribution,
publishers and printers. The number of respondents to the questionnaires is
379, including 16 editors-in-chief, Secretaries, directors of editing, and 292
journalists in Arabic newspapers and 9in English newspapers, 8 distributioncompanies, 32 owners of stalls, 5 publishers and 17 working in the ield of
printing.
Indicator of situations of press and press institutions
To measure this indicator, a questionnaire for the freedom of the press in Sudan
in 2008 was presented and distributed to editors-in-chief, managers, advisers
editing have included the questions listed in the table below, which also included
answers to the questions from editors-in-chief and Managing Editor as follows.
Censorship448 they didnt
answer
Complaints966they didnt
answer
Legal
accountability
1061 doesnt answer
Full closure15-4 they didn't
answer
The temporary
closure 1
115
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Confiscation of
means Of
production
114
Confiscation the
paper beforeprinting
114
Confiscation
after printing
-16
Taking of articles
before printing
664 they didn't
answer
Pressure to
reveal sources
1132 they didnt
answer
Intervention bythe owner
1141 he does notanswer
Exposure to
financial losses
871 he does not
answer
Weakness in
distribution
952 they didnt
answer
Weakness in the
advertisements
952 they didnt
answer
Internal or
external
temptations
4102 they didnt
answer
Within the answers to the questions contained in the questionnaire, the respondents
said that the Press and Publications Act of 2004 needs to be further reviewed to
harmonize with the political reality. The censorship must be lift on newspapers, while
some said that the law contains good articles for the newspapers and other articlesneeded to amend. the majority of the respondents said that the Charter of the press
honor is good, but there are deficiencies in practice, and State must raise taxes on the
inputs and support newspapers directly and the advertising is weak and should be
pages to states , also said that there is balance in the newspapers between opinion and
the press service.
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The questionnaire shows that there is a complaint from the censorship andtaking off articles from the newspaper, and there is weakness in the advertising and
distribution.
(2) Indicator of the situations of journalists
to measure this indicator , the questionnaire for the freedom of press in Sudan in 2008
was presented to journalists ,The questions listed in the table below, which also
included answers to the questions, and the number of those who answer the
questionnaires 301 journalists, and the content
of the answers as follows: Yes No Notes
The questionYesNoNotes
Torture126040 didnt answer
Kidnapping_26239 didnt answer
Beatings and insults225940 didnt answer
Arbitrary dismissal1624342 didnt answer
Preventing of profession625342 didnt answer
Internal or external
temptations
4520640 didnt answer
Adequacy of salary12114337 didnt answer
Means of movement9516541 didnt answer
Training12214039 didn't answer
Rights beyond services12413641 didnt answer
Services of General Union
For journalists
13012843 didnt answer
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Access to information11114644 didnt answer
Taking off article before
Publication
45196other didn't answer
Press to uncover
The sources
525046 didn't answer
Summoning by security722371 didn't answer
Detention without trial225445 didn't answer
Attempt to assassinate_26338 didn't answer
During the answer to the questionnaire , majority of journalists said they are asking theDepartment of newspapers press freedom in writing and improving the working
environment and to provide of aids, they also demanded Union of Sudanese journalists
to do its duty and protect the journalists, and from the National Council for press and
publications to lift its hands from registration of journalists and more attention to
training. The journalists called upon the State to commit democratic transformation and
to lift censorship and interaction with the newspapers and provision of information.
(3) Indicator ofcost and revenues of distribution
to measure this indicator , the questionnaire of freedom of press in Sudan in 2008 was
presented to the distribution companies and owners of stalls . The questions listed inthe table below, which also included answers to the questions have been answered on
questionnaires 40 people, including 32 of the owners of stalls and 8 of distribution
companies:
QuestionAppropriateInappropriateNotes
Time of receiving
Newspapers
3046 didnt answer
Means transport10255 didnt answer
Newspapers to states
Cost newspapers to
states
2326 didnt answer
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Income of Publisher From advertisements32
Gaining from states_5
Net profit of Publisher122they didnt
answer
The questionnaire included question about their proposals to develop publishing
process, they answered that it is necessary to study the problems of publishing
scientifically to reach a solution with all sides and a large publishing houses to merge
the current deployment and the separation of distribution and printing and the work of
new laws take into account the global developments and the adoption of tax and
customs exemptions, and stop the levies.
(5) Indicator of cost and revenues of printing
to measure this indicator ,the questionnaire of freedom press in Sudan in 2008 was
distributed to the printers, included the questions listed in the table below, which also
included answers to the questions:
Questionnaire included questions concerning the opinion, the answers as follows:
Qu