Sudanese parliament pass new press law

June 8, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – After months of controversy and protests, the Sudanese federal parliament on Monday approved a new press law removing heavy sanctions on journalists but keeping censorship.
The final version of the press law voted unanimously by the Sudanese legislators removes the contested fines of 50,000 pounds on journalists and also restricts the power of Press Council to close newspapers.
The initial version allowed the regulatory body to impose heavy fines of up to 50,000 Sudanese pounds (21,500 US dollars) for unspecified offences. Also the Press Council had the power to close definitively newspapers.
Under the new press law, the court will fix the penalty if they found guilty of violating the law. Also, the press council is invested only to close down newspapers for three days. Otherwise, law courts decide penalties and can choose how long to suspend newspapers.
More than 50 Sudanese journalists protested outside the National Assembly in Omdurman against a draft law of press largely criticized for repressive articles it includes on Tuesday May 19 when the parliament begun to discuss the bill.
There are some 30 newspapers in both English and Arabic published daily to represent all persuasions – pro-government, Islamist or communist – and show off the country’s multi-faceted political make-up.
The journalists complain since last year against daily censorship imposed by the Sudanese security, their protests were mainly directed against the security agents who play the role of editor in chief every night and seize printed newspapers or decide to close it.
However, the new law does not remove the power from intelligence services who can censor papers ahead of publication under Sudan’s National Security Act.
“There shall not be imposition of restrictions on freedom of press publication except according to law in issues pertaining to safeguarding the national security and public order and health,” provides the new law.
A draft of a new national security law is currently being studied, in what is considered a sensitive move ahead of a general election in February 2010.
(ST)