Sudan journalists face death penalty under new criminal code amendments

Sudanese journalists, activists, and human rights organizations are protesting proposed amendments to the 1991 Criminal Code. The changes to Article 51, which addresses waging war against the state, would explicitly include support expressed through media publications and electronic platforms as criminal offenses.

Critics warn that the broad wording could allow authorities in Port Sudan to prosecute reporters, politicians, and government critics under national security legislation. Such prosecutions could carry penalties as severe as life imprisonment or the death penalty. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has called for the withdrawal of the amendment, stating it threatens press independence and may lead to widespread self-censorship during the ongoing conflict between Sudanese forces and the RSF paramilitary group.

Additionally, the establishment of a national cybercrime mechanism has raised concerns among rights groups. Activists argue the mechanism could be utilized to monitor news organizations, social media users, and dissidents under vaguely defined accusations of harming national or social security.