IFEX- News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

ALERT - SUDAN

5 February 2002

English-language newspaper and its editor fined heavily

SOURCE: Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), Toronto

**For further information on prior harassment of the "Khartoum Monitor", see
IFEX alerts of 12 October, 12 September, 16 April and 27 February 2001**

(IFEX/CJFE) - On 16 January 2002, a Sudanese court ordered the editor of the
English-language newspaper "Khartoum Monitor" to pay a five million Sudanese
pound (approx. U$1,950) fine over an article published in the paper that
accused
the government of facilitating slavery.

The newspaper itself was also fined 15 million Sudanese pounds (approx.
US$5,800).

In the article, editor Nhial Bol wrote, "Slavery is practised because the
government facilitates it by allowing Arab raiders to use government-owned
trains for ferrying the abducted people."

Bol was initially imprisoned because of the newspaper's inability to pay the
fine. However, a local businessman loaned the five million Sudanese pounds
in
order to secure his release. "Khartoum Monitor" staff report that he now
wants
his money back. Bol himself stated that, if that money cannot be returned on
time, the businessman will arrange for authorities to have the editor
imprisoned
again.

The second fine, which the newspaper unsuccessfully attempted to have
quashed,
must be paid by 20 February.

The "Khartoum Monitor", which was launched in 2000, faces four court trials
on
other charges related to public security. It is feared that, if money cannot
be
found both to cover the fines and to pay legal defence fees, the newspaper
will
soon go out of business.

The "Khartoum Monitor" has been critical of the government's human rights
record, particularly in southern Sudan, where rebels seek more autonomy for
the
mainly Christian and animist African south.

Human rights groups maintain that the war in southern Sudan has forced
thousands
into slavery. The Sudanese government disputes these accusations.

For further information, contact the CJFE, 489 College Street, Suite 403,
Toronto, Ontario M6G 1A5 Canada, tel: +1 416 515 9622, fax: +1 416 515 7879,
e-mail: [email protected], Internet: http://www.cjfe.org

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of CJFE.
In
citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit CJFE.
_________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
489 College Street, Suite 403, Toronto (ON) M6G 1A5 CANADA
tel: +1 416 515 9622, fax: +1 416 515 7879 alerts e-mail: [email protected]
general e-mail: [email protected] Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/
_________________________________________________________________