Sudanese newspapers on a newsstand. Photo | FILE |
By REEM ABBAS in KhartoumPosted Thursday, February 23
2012 at
15:23
An attempt to introduce tougher espionage law in Sudan is
causing jitters among activists, opposition politicians and journalists.
The
law, currently before parliament, is seen as an attempt to further
muzzle the freedom of the press in a country whose freedom rakings are
already bad.
"Before, the case was against me and the
security apparatus, now the public opinion will be involved and it will
be galvanised against the so-called 'spies', " said a veteran journalist
and activist who wished to remain unnamed.
A few
months ago, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim Al Taher, the head of the Parliament,
stated that there were many spies in the country, especially in the
media sector. Since then, some MPs, encouraged by the National
Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), have pushed for a tougher
espionage law.
The political section of Kober prison,
Sudan's largest and most high-security prison, is reported by former
detainees to be full of political inmates, especially opposition party
members, students and youth activists.
Experts are warning that journalists and activists would face bigger risk if the law was passed.
The security organ
However,
government officials have stated that the law was necessary because of
the current situation to protect the country from activities in
neighbouring states
Mr Abdelmoniem Mohamed, a lawyer
actively involved with youth groups, said that the laws were born out of
the regime's failure to solve the many economic, political and social
problems arising in Sudan, especially since the Arab Spring waves in
neighbouring countries.
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