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SOAT

Sudan Organisation Against Torture





SOAT Press Release: 26 May 2004

Harassment and summoning of journalists



On 23 May 2004, the National Security Agency (NSA) summoned seven journalists from Al Azmina daily newspaper. They were summoned at around 1.30 pm and remained in detention until 7 pm at the NSA offices in Khartoum. Their details are as follows:



Jamal Angara, Executive Director
Omer Ismeal, Chief Editor
Osman Hamed, Managing Editor
Kamal Awad
Asim Mahi Eldin
Hayder Abd Al Hafiz
Ahmed Taha


Later on Ahmed Taha was released while the other six were transferred to Kober prison without any official charges against them; they were released on later the next day in the evening, 24 May 2004, on bail. They were ordered to report to the Crimes against the State prosecutor for further questioning on 27 May 2004.



The journalists arrest follows coverage of a damning report under the heading of ' Massive economic disaster in Sudan' on a request made by 220 business men and private companies to declare themselves bankrupt, 21 May 2004 issue 323, on the Al Azmina front pages. The journalists were accused of publishing false information but have not been officially charges.



In another incident, the NSA summoned five journalists for several hours over two days, 15 and 16 May 2004. The security forces ordered them to report to the press section of the NSA offices, where they were kept under part- time detention for several hours over the two days.



The alleged reason behind these summons and part -time detentions was to delay the submission of a memorandum to the National Assembly (parliament), and to the President of Sudan, via the Minister of Communications. The memorandum was signed by two hundred and ten (210) journalists, criticising and condemning the new Press Law, made by a Presidential decree due to be put before the parliament for its endorsement.



The journalist's details are as follows:



1. Mahgoub Mohamed Salih: Publisher and Chief Editor of Al Ayam daily (one hour in the first day and one hour on the second day).



2. Dr. Zohair Al Sarrag: Column writer at Al Sahafa daily (three hours on the first day and seven hours on the second day)



3. Mahgoub Orwa: Publisher and Chief Editor of Al Sudani Daily- denied publishing by Security veto (half hour in the first day and four hours in the second day).



4. Mohamed Latif Ali: Column writer in Al-ray Alaam daily (four hours in the first day and seven hours in the second day).



5. Mohamed Sir Alkhatim: Journalist working with Akhbar Alyoum daily: (six hours in the first day and eight hours in the second day).



Mahgoub Mohamed Salih is the chairperson of a newly formed committee, 4 May 2004, named Press Freedoms Defence Committee, and the other four journalists are members of the committee.



The committee members has decided to write this memorandum, in addition to pursing a court appeal, against the application of the proposed Press Law, which is violation of the Sudan Constitution and of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration (194, and Article 19 of the Political and Civil Rights Convention, which was ratified by the Sudan in 1986.The appeal is to be presented to the Constitutional Court, as was decided by the committee. The proposed Press Law has faced a wide opposition from journalists.



Background



On 16 March 2004, The Sudanese Minster of Justice, Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin, has issued an order to all the prosecutors, not to suspend any more newspapers, with reference to Article 130, of the 1991 procedural Penal Code. The decision states that ' the prosecutors should not suspend the papers for more than 24 hours if the investigation needed such a practice'. The Minister requested in his order, that prosecutors do their utmost to take the case to the courts.



Although, the decision was welcomed but more positive steps need to be taken. The order still does not ensure press freedom or protects it from harassment from security forces and prosecutors.



SOAT condemns the arbitrary arrest and harassment of journalists and urges the Government of Sudan:



Immediately stop the unlawful arrest and harrassment in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.


Allow proper research, discussion and dissemination of information on issues related to press freedom


Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.


The above recommendations should be sent in appeals to the following
addresses:

His Excellency Lieutenant General Omar Hassan al-Bashir
President of the Republic of Sudan
President' s Palace
PO Box 281, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 783223

Mr. Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 788941

Mr. Mustafa Osman Ismail
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 873, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 779383

Dr. Abdelmuneim Osman Mohamed Taha
Advisory Council for Human Rights
PO Box 302
Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: + 249 183 770883

His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva,
PO Box 335,
1211 Geneva,
Switzerland,
Fax: +4122 731 26 56,
E-mail: [email protected].


SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:

SOAT
The Park Business Centre
Kilburn Park Road
London NW6 5LF, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7625 8055
Fax: +44 (0)20 7372 2656
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.soatsudan.org



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