On November 4th, 2008, 300 journalists started a hunger strike and at least three media houses shut down their presses to protest widespread government censorship.
In April of this year, in a meeting organised by leaders from the IFJ affiliate, the Sudanese Journalists’ Union, authorities agreed to end censorship and strengthen ethical journalism and media independence in the country. In a visit with IFJ leaders from Africa last week, the government again made those promises.
“Last week President Omar Al-Bashir repeated promises to allow journalists and editors to work freely without interference,” said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa Office. “After almost nine months of empty promises, our colleagues have taken drastic measures to fight government censorship. We are calling on President Al-Bashir to fulfill his commitment to uphold press freedom and respect the rights of journalists.”
According to reports up to 300 journalists from different media organisations in Khartoum, have gone on a hunger strike on to protest the government censorship. Three newspapers Ajras Al-Hurriya, Al-Maidan and Rayal Al-Shab have stopped publishing in support of the protest.
The IFJ is calling on the Sudanese government to uphold the provisions of the Interim Constitution, which guarantees press freedom. It will also support the work of the union to hold the government accountable as well.
For more information, contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207
