Sudan removes censorship from print journalists

September 28, 3:33 PMDC World News ExaminerIbtihal Ahmed

Sudanese dailies published in Khartoum.

Photo (Courtesy of Al-Jazeera).

By: Ibtihal AlKhidir Ahmed

Sudanese authorities have lifted censorship procedures in the area of print journalism in the nation’s capitol, Khartoum.

This means that following this censorship ban, newspapers that are printed in Khartoum won’t have to go through a pre-publishing screening phase whereby the contents of newspapers are vigorously examined for inappropriate and unacceptable material before final publication.

The process of sorting out newspapers was carried out in the past by intelligence officers. They were considered the watchdogs for what got published in newspapers.

Rejected articles are usually sent by their authors to a popular Sudanese website that is considered an outlet for those who would like to freely criticize the government and the system of the country.

"As of today, censorship is over and journalists have complete freedom," said a presidential decree carried by the official Sudan News Agency on Sunday.

The topics that newspapers cover range from political, social, economic issues and so forth. Political debates and publications are what have created tensions between the government and the press.

 There is a rule that makes it illegal to speak out in offensive and discriminatory terms against any religion, creed, ethnicity, or tribe. This is the case because Sudan is a highly diverse country and by which it can be considered a “melting pot.” This rule still remains as this code of ethics is important in keeping people in line when it comes to expressing their views.

The government and the press haven’t been on good terms before, but following the President’s decision to lift the  ban, there is hope that both parties will be on satisfactory terms.

Al-Zahawi Ibrahim, the secretary of Communications believes that lifting the censorship is a historical achievement. It is his hope that journalists will abide by the Code of Ethics that has been agreed upon.

Journalists will now have more freedom when going about their business in the print media.

A few years ago, the Human Rights Watch issued a statement claiming that  "The Sudanese government is engaged in an increasingly blatant effot to muzzle and intimidate Sudan's independent press." Many Sudanese journalists believe that more freedom should be given to the press.