Sudanese authorities summon editors over waste reports

4 Feb 2010

Authorities in Sudan have called in seven chief editors of newspapers to question them over news reports about dumping hazardous electronic waste. The move has prompted fears that the press could be censored ahead of the country's first democratic elections in 24 years due in April.

The journalists said they were summoned on Monday, 1 February 2010, under charges of publishing false information. The articles in question had called for an investigation into allegations that the government allowed hazardous electronic waste into the country.

Both pro-government and privately owned newspapers were targeted. Sudan officially lifted censorship last year. However, some newspapers have been forced to practice self-censorship following official warnings not to publish sensitive stories.

Source: Panos London

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