South Sudan: IFJ Condemns Arrest of Journalist

By Lilian Museka

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)  has condemned the arrest and detention  of a South Sudan journalist.

According to the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), Alfred Taban, a veteran journalist and chief editor of the Juba Monitor, was last week arrested and detained for hours following the publication of an opinion story written by a citizen from Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, one of the ten states of South Sudan.

The opinion article questioned the integrity of the former governor of Lakes State, Mr. Chuol Tong Mayay, concerning the accountability of public funds which were not definitely used to implement a project.

The writer of the opinion piece raised concerns on how the money was spent.  The former governor reportedly went to the police station and filed a case against the newspaper.  Taban was subsequently arrested. 

“We condemn the arrest and detention of Taban as a criminal. Citizens must be allowed to express their views in the public interest as this is what guarantees good governance, accountability and probity. This expression cannot be criminalized. We call on authorities in South Sudan to stop with immediate effect, the intimidation of journalists and endeavour to promote freedom of expression and of the press”, said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director.  

Over the last two months UJOSS has documented more than 10 cases of arrests and detentions due to the absence of media laws in South Sudan. Last December, Diing Chan Awuol, journalist, columnist and blogger, was murdered outside his home in the suburb of Gudek in Juba, the capital city.

 “We urge parliamentarians to pass the laws to protect journalists, media actors and the public. The delay of passing the media laws is a challenge for the administration of justice for journalists, media houses and the public in South Sudan,” said Oliver Modi Philip Chairperson of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan.