By Yien Gattour
A humanitarian worker has been arrested and detained in Koch County, Unity State of South Sudan, for allegedly defaming locals on social media, police authorities say.
Brig. Gen. Tut Wal Daang, Koch County Police Commissioner, confirmed the arrest of Daniel Wal Tuol Teny, who works with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
He explained that Teny was apprehended following accusations of defamation brought by locals.
“The arrest was not initiated by us as authorities; instead, community members filed a defamation case against him. Matai Gatchang Thuok is the individual who lodged the complaint against Daniel Wal,” Gen. Tut stated.
He further explained that Thuok provided evidence of the defamatory content by presenting printed communications allegedly sent by Teny.
The senior local police officer disclosed that the Norbor community of Koch County had convened a meeting last week to discuss the sharing of blood compensation.
This meeting reportedly led to a social media exchange between Teny and Thuok, with Teny subsequently printing the hostile contents and using them to file a case.
Brig. Gen. Tut emphasized that due to the absence of a criminal court in Koch County, the case will be transferred to a local community court.
He reiterated that Teny’s arrest was based on the complaint filed by his community.