S. Sudan security returns Catholic radio keys

September 13, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan security officials on Friday returned keys of the Catholic radio, a month after its confiscation.

The Catholic-run Bakhita radio had four of its staff members arrested and the station switched off air by security agents after it broadcast news giving rebels a chance to respond to allegations that it instigated last month’s fighting in Bentiu, Unity state.

Three radio staff members were released a few hours later, but the station’s news editor spent three days in detention before his release. The Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) openly condemned government actions on the station last month.

Bakhita officials, however, said Saturday that they could not resume immediate broadcast for administrative reasons, but gave no further details.

South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir signed into law the country’s media bills this week, in what many described as the start of a new era between government and the press.

(ST)