UN concerned over arrest of six journalists in South Sudan

NEW YORK, USA

The United Nations has expressed concerns over the situation of the six state-owned television (SSBC) journalists arrested over a viral video in which President Salva Kiir wetted himself at an event.

The Secretary General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric on Monday said they did not intend to comment on the incident, describing it as “worrying”.

“Not for us to comment on the actual incident, but it is very concerning that these journalists have been detained for doing their job,” said Dujarric.

“I think our mission on the ground is trying to get more details as to their whereabouts and to ensure that they are treated properly,” he added.

Last week, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) also expressed concerns over the arrest of the six journalists amidst calls for a fair trial.

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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also asked the government for the immediate and unconditional release of the six journalists, as well as “guaranteeing that they can work without intimidation or fear of arrest.”

Last year, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked South Sudan at 128 out 180 countries on press freedom, falling by over 10 places from the 2021 index.

Patrick Oyet, who heads the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, said five journalists were detained Tuesday and one on Wednesday.

The arrest appears to be connected to a video of President Salva Kiir, according to Oyet and media rights groups.

The footage, shared widely on social media in December, appeared to show Kiir urinate on himself while at an official engagement, according to The Associated Press. The video quickly cuts away from the shots of the 71-year-old president, the AP reported.