Khartoum, Sudan - The Sudanese security organ has suspended the publication of an opposition daily newspaper, which it accuses of breaching laws and violating press regulations. National Security and Intelligence said on Tuesday it had temporarily closed down the Rae Al Shaab (People’s Opinion) newspaper of opposition leader, Dr Hassan Abdallah Turabi, citing breach of regulations and unruly conduct. “Freedom does not mean supporting and backing rebel movements,” the security said in a statement, stressing that such an action will be promptly dealt with. National security said the move was ordered by its chief, General Mohamed Atta.

The opposition Popular Congress party has been using the paper to mount strong criticism of the government and praise armed opposition movements in Darfur. It has also called for toppling of the government through peaceful means.

The Sudanese Journalists Union has said it is opposed the move and has called for the lifting of the suspension. It said if the security had any complaint it had to go through the legal system.

The journalists union, manned by pro-government journalists, said it was committed to expansion of freedoms within the context of the ethics of 'the profession and that if the concerned authorities have any complaints then they have to take the matter through the legal system in what they see as violations'.

The daily has recently been describing the late leader of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement, Dr Ibrahim Khalil, as 'a martyr', a term Muslims use exclusively to describe somebody who dies in defence of lofty values or honour.

The daily has never described Khalil as a rebel. It says he was assassinated but not killed in battle.

The opposition party has maintained that it has no relations whatsoever with the armed rebel movement, contrary to the belief in Khartoum.

Pana 04/01/2012