Media laws at Sudan
Sudan's media laws have historically been restrictive, with recent developments indicating a continued trend toward suppressing freedom of expression. Here's an overview of the current legal landscape:
🧾 Key Media Laws in Sudan
1. **Press and Publications Act (2009)**This law grants authorities broad powers to control the media, including the ability to issue licenses and approve publications It imposes severe penalties on journalists who publish material considered a threat to national security or public order For instance, the Al-Tayar newspaper was shut down in 2012 after publishing articles critical of the governmen
2. **Cybercrime Law (2018)**The Cybercrime Law criminalizes the publication or sharing of information deemed harmful to national security or public morals Penalties include imprisonment, fines, and the confiscation of devices This law has been used to target activists and journalists, such as Mohamed Abdella, who was arrested for posting critical content on social medi
3. **National Security Act (2010)**This law grants the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) immunity from prosecution and the authority to arrest, detain, and censor journalists under the pretext of national security It has been used to suppress press freedom and silence dissenting voice
4. **Informatic Offenses (Combating) Act (2007)**This act criminalizes the establishment of websites that publish defamatory material or content that disturbs public morality or order Violations can result in fines and prison sentences ranging from two to five year
⚠️ Recent Developments
Internet Shutdowns:Sudanese authorities have implemented extensive internet shutdowns during periods of political unrest The longest recorded shutdown lasted 37 days during protests in 201
Media Censorship: In 2020, Sudanese authorities suspended newspapers like Al-Intibaha and Al-Sayha for publishing content critical of the government Editors-in-chief have been held criminally responsible for all published conten
Digital Surveillance:The 2020 amendment to the National Security Act allows intelligence agencies to access personal data without a court order, raising concerns about privacy and freedom of expressio
📉 Press Freedom Status
Sudan's press freedom is severely restricted, with journalists facing harassment, detention, and censorshi. The legal framework enables authorities to suppress independent media and control the flow of information, undermining democratic principles and human right.
✅ Summary
Sudan's media laws have created a repressive environment for journalists and activist. While some legal reforms have been introduced, they often serve to further restrict freedom of expression rather than protect i. The combination of restrictive laws, censorship, and surveillance continues to pose significant challenges to press freedom in Sudan.
RELATED Blog
0 comments