[JURIST] The Sudanese government’s “crackdown on independent media and civil society” will have a chilling effect on political speech, Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] warned [press release] Thursday. AI said the situation is particularly troublesome as Sudan’s general elections will commence on April 13 [Sudan Tribune report]. The briefing detailed several recent instances of dissenters, namely journalists, who have been interrogated for their work. Specifically, one journalist was arrested and faces the death penalty if convicted. Several civil society organizations have been closed and it is possible that more closures will follow. AI argues the recent crackdown is the result of the enforcement of repressive laws and constitutional amendments granting the National Intelligence and Security Service [AI backgrounder] sweeping powers. AI believes that opposition parties will boycott the general elections.

The government of Sudan [JURIST news archive] has faced international criticism for its human rights record. In 2013 Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] urged Sudan [JURIST report] to end its crackdown against political and cultural groups. In 2012 the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) [official website] called on Sudanese authorities to investigate an ambush [JURIST report]. In August 2012 the OHCHR called on Sudan [JURIST report] to investigate violent and excessive force by the government against protesters. Earlier that year AI and HRW pressured Sudan to end violence and abuse against protesters [JURIST report]. In June 2012 the UN expressed concern [JURIST report] about deteriorating conditions in Sudan due to continued violent conflict in the country.