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Sudan Army's Plan Is to Return to 'Dark Days,' Journalists Say

Nabeel Biajo

   Plans by Sudan's army to file legal complaints against journalists for
   cyber libel and "insulting" the armed forces have echoes of the
   intimidation tactics used under the rule of ousted President Omar
   al-Bashir, local reporters say.

   In a statement last month, the armed forces said a cybercrime military
   commissioner had been appointed. The commissioner, working under the
   military prosecutor, will monitor and document "insults" against the
   army, and any violations will result in criminal complaints brought
   against journalists in Sudan or outside its borders.

   The army said the measure was needed because of "systemic attacks and
   accusations" against the Sudanese military.

   The military is part of Sudan's transitional government. A Sovereign
   Council, made up of six civilians and five military members, was set up
   to help the country return to civilian rule following the ouster of
   Bashir last year after mass protests.

   "It looks like the government is following the same path that the
   previous regime had followed, of stifling press freedom and silencing
   their critics," Ravi Prasad, advocacy director at the media network
   International Press Institute, told VOA. "The army seems to be very,
   very sensitive to any kind of criticism, and the new law they're trying
   to bring in would completely stifle press freedom in the country."

   Aside from the army statement, the Ministry of Justice on July 10
   announced several legal amendments -- including more severe penalties
   under the cybercrime law to protect privacy and prevent the spread of
   rumors and harmful information.

   The Sudanese Embassy in Washington said it would provide comment but
   did not respond to VOA's follow-up calls.

   Government should 'mend their ways'

   Prasad said the army statement and cybercrime law were vaguely worded
   and open to interpretation, including on what constitutes insult or
   false news.

   "It is the right of journalists to report, and journalists speak truth
   to power. If the government of Sudan is sensitive to criticism, they
   should try to mend their ways rather than try to arrest journalists and
   stifle their voices," he said. "Appointing a military commissioner to
   deal with media freedom is something that is unheard of."

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