A/HRC/30/60 the interim national Constitution of the Sudan (2005), which guarantees “freedom of expression and the media”. 24. The Independent Expert had raised this issue in his discussions with government officials as a legitimate concern to which the Government needed to pay attention, in view of the importance of freedom of expression and of the press in the promotion and protection of human rights in a democratic society. B. Curtailment of activities of civil society organizations 25. During the period under review, the Government continued to clamp down on the activities of civil society organizations. 26. Four leading civil society organizations have been shut down, while at least five others are under threat of imminent closure. On 18 January 2015, the National Security Service raided the Mohmoud Mohamed Taha Cultural Centre. Later that month, the National Civic Forum and the Sudanese Writers Union were informed by letter that their licences would be revoked by the Ministry of Culture. On 26 March, security agents raided the Terakes Training and Human Development Centre in Khartoum while Adil Bakheit, a member of the Sudanese Human Rights Monitor, was conducting a human rights workshop. During the raid, Mr. Bakheit’s computer and documents were confiscated. Three staff members of the Centre were interrogated in connection with the raid. 27. On 16 April 2015, Mr. Bakheit was arrested by the National Security Service while he was attending a workshop at the Tracks Training Centre in Khartoum. He was subsequently charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting opposition against public authority through the use of violence or criminal force, the publication of false news, offences against the State and impersonating a public servant. He was released on bail on 3 May. 28. The above-mentioned actions appear to be in contravention with the rights to freedom of peaceful association as set forth in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the principles of the Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. They also contravene article 40 of the interim national Constitution of the Sudan, which guarantees the freedom of assembly and association. 29. The Independent Expert notes the important role played by human rights defenders in democratic societies, and stresses the need for the Government of the Sudan to allow them to carry out their activities in an open, safe and secure environment. C. Freedom of religion 30. The right to freedom of religion is enshrined in article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in article 38 of the interim national Constitution of the Sudan. The interim national Constitution also established the Commission for the Rights of Non-Muslims in Khartoum State to ensure that their rights are protected in accordance with the Constitution. The Independent Expert, however, received information in relation to incidents of arrest and restrictions of freedom of religion or belief of the Christian communities. On 14 December 2014, Reverend Yat Michael Ruot Puk, a pastor from the Southern Sudan Evangelical Church, was arrested by National Security Service officers. On 11 January 2015, Reverend Peter Yein Reith was arrested at his residence. Both clergymen were arrested without any arrest warrant and were held incommunicado until 1 March 2015. On 4 May, they were brought before a court, where they were both 7