New York, September 25, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by reports that Internet service in Sudan was shut down today in what seemed like an official attempt to stifle coverage of violent protests after the government lifted fuel subsidies on Monday.
“There is no justification for any government to cut off the Internet’s vital flow of information, which journalists and citizens alike rely upon,” said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour. “The Sudanese government must immediately act to restore the country’s connection to the Internet and allow journalists to report on the latest developments without harassment.”
The Washington Post reported that this was the second time in four months that Internet access was restricted during anti-government protests, citing the Internet intelligence corporation Renesys. Sudatel, an Internet service provider in Sudan, was disconnected for eight hours in June.