Sudanese security forces arrested dozens of journalists in front of the Information Office of the National Intelligence and Security Services after they carried out a vigil protest called by Al Jareeda newspaper on Monday.

Al Jareeda newspaper called for a silent vigil at 12 pm on Sunday to protest the repeated ban on printing and the pre-publication censorship exercised over a number of its issues during the recent period after the outbreak of demonstrations in the country. Al Jareeda newspaper announced yesterday that it was not allowed to come out after it had covered the protests in Khartoum Bahri.

A journalist who spoke to Baj News about his arrest among others said he was ordered to board a vehicle “Box” which took them to the offices of the security apparatus.

Detention of journalists is violation of the freedom of expression and information. The Constitution of Sudan 2005 in Article 39 (1) states: every citizen shall have an unrestricted right to the freedom of expression, reception and dissemination of information, publication, and access to the press without prejudice to order, safety or public morals as determined by law. The state shall guarantee the freedom of press and other media as determined by law in a democratic society.

Source: bajnews