UN concerned over detention of six journalists in South Sudan

(radiotamazuj.org)

The United Nations has expressed concerns over the arrest of six journalists over a video showing South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir in an embarrassing situation.

Radio Tamazuj reported that six employees at the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation were arrested on Tuesday last week by agents from the National Security Service.

The Secretary General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, on Monday said: “Not for us to comment on the actual incident, but it is very concerning that these journalists have been detained for doing their job.”

 “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.

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.”