UOJSS demands immediate release of SSBC journalist detained by NSS for refusing to anchor news containing Kiir’s decrees
NCMP
July 19, 2021
South Sudan’s Union of Journalists is pleading for the immediate release of imprisoned SSBC journalist Alfred Angasi. The family of the journalist reportedly arrested by National Security has also lately pleaded for the journalist’s quick release.
According to President Oyet Patrick Charles, the Union has communicated with authorities, pleading for due process.
Aganasi, Alfred Dominic, a news anchor for the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, was detained on July 2, 2021.
His sister, Cecilia Dominic, revealed in an Eye Radio report obtained by NCMP that her brother Angasi was apprehended by National Security approximately two weeks ago from the SSBC headquarters in Juba.
She chastised SSBC’s administration for “staying silent” regarding her brother’s imprisonment.
Ms. Cecilia is now petitioning the National Security Service for her brother’s release, expressing worry about his health.
“He just recovered from an illness, and even physicians advised him not to stay in a chilly environment or consume certain foods,” she confessed.
“As a family, we wish the SSBC would act, but if they do nothing, I would encourage the Union of Journalists and all other interested parties to check into my brother’s case and secure his release,” Ms. Cecilia told Eye Radio on Saturday.
The journalist’s continued captivity is unknown.
However, in a press release published on 16th July, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan stated that Alfred Angasi is being held by National Security for allegedly refusing to anchor news carrying President Salva Kiir’s orders notifying the Council of States’ newly appointed members.
According to UJOSS, journalist Angasi was momentarily freed on July 4 before being detained again on July 5. Angasi remains detained to this day.
According to UJOSS, the administrative difficulties resulting in the journalist’s imprisonment should have been addressed by SSBC, not the National Security Service. This, it stated, demonstrates a conflict of power.
“We already have a legal team looking at the matter. The legal team met with the SSBC’s legal staff. They have also communicated with the legal staff of the National Security Service, indicating that at least some contact is taking place,” Oyet Patrick, president of UJOSS, stated.
“We are worried that if he is indeed accused of committing a crime about which we are unaware, the proper place to take him is before a competent recognized court in accordance with the South Sudanese constitution so that he is presented before that court and properly charged,” he said.
The UJOSS president stated that they are coordinating with various authorities, particularly National Security, to establish a common understanding about the journalist’s release.
ion by the NSS for refusing to anchor news containing President Salva Kiir’s decrees, SSBC journalist
