NEWS CENTER_The press in Sudan faces one of the most complex and dangerous phases, because of the strict restrictions and grave risks Imposed by the reality of the conflict, as journalists find themselves before almost impossible choices to continue conveying the truth.

The Sudanese Journalists’ Syndicate announced today, Friday,23 October, its categorical rejection of the amendment of Article (51) of the Criminal Code of 1991, and the decision of the Prime Minister of the de facto government to form the "National Mechanism for Combating Information Crimes."

The Syndicate warned of the repercussions of these dangerous measures on press and expression freedom and citizens' right to access information, especially in light of the conditions of the ongoing conflict and the restrictions imposed on journalistic work.

The Freedoms Secretariat of the Syndicate reported that adding the phrase "including publication via electronic or media means" to Article (51) related to acts prejudicial to state security raises serious fears of expanding the scope of criminalization to include publishing activities, journalistic investigations, and expression of opinion, under penalties reaching death or life imprisonment.

The Syndicate confirmed that including media publication within a criminal text of this gravity and without guarantees to protect journalistic work opens the door to prosecutions that undermine press freedom and push journalists toward self-censorship, expressing its complete rejection of the formation of the National Mechanism for Combating Information Crimes.

It warned against any powers granted to it to monitor and track media outlets and social media platforms based on vague descriptions such as "harmful publication prejudicial to state security," noting that despite the importance of combating electronic crimes, this must be done according to legal frameworks that respect rights and freedoms, and not turn into a pretext for monitoring journalists or gagging mouths.

The Syndicate called on the Sudanese Journalists to cancel the amendment introduced to Article (51) of the Criminal Code, and to cancel the decision to form the National Mechanism for Combating Information Crimes, alongside reviewing the laws restricting freedoms and stopping all official interventions in the editorial work of media institutions. It also demanded that professional human rights organizations and international bodies concerned with press freedom take a clear stance to pressure and protect journalists and guarantee the public's right to access knowledge.