Sudan journalists strike as more protests urged
KHARTOUM: A network of Sudanese journalists went on strike yesterday in the wake of deadly protests sparked by a hike in bread prices, while opposition groups called for further rallies.
Angry crowds have taken to the streets in the capital Khartoum and several other cities since Dec 19, leading to a crackdown in which a number of protesters have been killed.
“We declare a three day strike from Dec 27 to protest against the violence unleashed by the government against demonstrators,” said the Sudanese Journalists’ Network which advocates free speech.
Sudanese authorities say eight protesters have been killed in clashes, but Amnesty International has put the death toll at 37.
The Popular Congress Party, which is part of President Omar al- Bashir’s government, says that 17 people have been killed and 88 wounded in clashes.
Journalists in Sudan frequently complain of harassment from the authorities, and the African country has a dire rating on international press freedom rankings.
Entire print runs of newspapers are often confiscated over articles deemed offensive by the powerful National Intelligence and Security Service ( NISS), which is spearheading the current crackdown on protesters.
Police and security officers remained deployed in several parts of the Sudanese capital on Wednesday, but for the first day in a week no new demonstrations were reported.
Activists and opposition groups have called on people to take to the streets again over the next few days. — AFP