Legal regulation introducing the death penalty for social media posts in Sudan
The Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan has enacted a new legal regulation that includes internet posts under the scope of 'incitement to war against the state', imposing severe penalties up to the death penalty.
With a temporary constitutional decree signed by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council, amendments were made to article 51/a of the 1991 Penal Code.
The new regulation brings posts made via the internet and media under the crime of 'incitement to war against the state'. Within this scope, individuals who produce, share, or spread content could face penalties such as the death penalty, life imprisonment, or the confiscation of assets.
Sudan's Minister of Justice, Abdullah Daraj, stated that the main purpose of the regulation is to prevent structures supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) through digital channels. Meanwhile, non-governmental organizations, legal experts, and the Sudanese General Journalists Union reacted by arguing that the decision restricts freedom of expression and aims to pressure journalists.
Sources
- ortadoguhaber.com · Link