From the Committee to Protect Journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Sudanese authorities to stop trying to stifle news coverage of this week’s widespread anti-government protests. Internet service in Sudan, including access to social media websites, was disrupted today, according to Access Now and NetBlocks, two organizations that track internet shutdowns. Yesterday, the local press freedom group Sudanese Journalists Network said on Twitter that the Sudanese National Intelligence Services ordered the owners of printing presses not to print newspapers before consulting NISS on their content.

“The free flow of information to the Sudanese public is vital for all citizens, including journalists,” said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour. “The Sudanese government must maintain the country’s connection to the internet and allow journalists to report freely and safely on the protests.”

Over the past few days, Sudanese authorities declared a state of emergency in several cities as clashes between police and protesters, who are demonstrating against inflation, killed at least eight people, according to Reuters and the BBC. Authorities also restricted internet access during anti-government protests in 2013, CPJ reported at the time.