Indefinite closure of Jonglei Radio, with no formal charge leveled against the station, is just another attempt by the gov’t to stifle the press.

It’s nearly a week now that Jonglei Radio has been closed, and no official statement has been issued by the NSS to specify or explain the charges labeled against the radio to warrant the prolonged shutdown. It is now 5 days and Radio Jonglei is still off-air.

Authorities in Bor say they can’t decide when Radio Jonglei will resume broadcast after nearly a week of shut down.

“I cannot tell you when this radio is going to be open, however, it used to be close for security reasons,” Jonglei country Police Commissioner said.

This has been declared as an abuse of human rights and an attempt by the government to suppress the press.

According to an Eye Radio report seen by NCMP, Radio Jonglei has remained off-air for nearly a week now.

On Friday, security personnel stormed into the station and ordered the administration team of workers to change off the radio.

They additionally took the Programs Director and the Editor-in-Chief to the National Security Service unit in Bor for questioning. They were later released.

According to the national police officials, the radio was once shut down below suspicion that it broadcast testimonies associated with the failed protest geared up by way of an online group name the People’s Coalition Civil Society Action.

The protest – which didn’t take place – was meant to name for the stepping down of the entire authorities of countrywide unity.

“If the motives for the nearer is clear, then I am positive the radio is going to be opened,” stated Major General Joseph Mayen Akon. “But I can no longer inform when it will go back on the air.”

The State Police Commissioner delivered that “we are conducting extra investigations to find more proof [and] if the evidence is discovered, then there will be no problem.”

For his part, Radio Jonglei Station Manager appealed to the state government to enable them to resume broadcast.

Many is advocating for the re-opening of the radio station. The radio has been instrumental in relaying peace-related messages, Covid-19 awareness, and so forth.

Government is to open the radio so that the neighborhood can have access to information.