abief report of freedom of press in the world and sudan

8/14/2019 Abief Report of Freedom of Press in the World and Sudan

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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

http://www.sudanpresswatch.com/http://www.pdffactory.com/http://www.pdffactory.com/http://www.pdffactory.com/http://www.sudanpresswatch.com/


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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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29

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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30

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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31

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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32

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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33

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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36

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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38

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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39

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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40

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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41

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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44

(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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45

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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46

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

abief report of freedom of press in the world and sudan

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