By Deng Ghai Deng
The arrest of journalist Ruot George on Monday has sparked widespread condemnation from South Sudan’s journalism community.
The arrest follows a defamation case filed by The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) against George, who has been vocal in his criticisms of the Union’s leadership.
Police Investigator William Yach at Juba Town Police Station confirmed George’s detention, stating, “Mr. Ruot has been arrested. He is here at Juba Town Police Station. He is being investigated and shall be released on bail.”
George’s arrest is linked to his ongoing dispute with UJOSS, where he has accused the leadership of corruption, mismanagement of funds, altering the Union’s constitution, and failing to convene a general assembly. UJOSS has denied these allegations.
The arrest has ignited outrage among journalists, who view the action as an attempt to silence dissent and undermine free speech within the Union. Mr. Gorge was later released on bail.
Koang Pal Chang, manager of Eye Radio, expressed his disapproval in a WhatsApp forum for South Sudanese journalists, criticizing UJOSS for taking drastic measures against a fellow journalist.
“The UJOSS, once a staunch advocate for journalists’ rights, is now arresting them,” Chang wrote.
“It’s disheartening to see leaders like Oyet and Majak behaving similarly to Ruot, who is known for seeking attention. As role models for many journalists, you both must restore your integrity and avoid being drawn into unnecessary drama.”
Journalist Mathiang Cirilo also condemned the arrest, suggesting that the Union should have addressed George’s concerns through an extraordinary General Assembly meeting rather than resorting to legal action.
“There is no moral justification for this arrest. The union should have taken better action, such as filing a lawsuit in court. What a shame,” Cirilo commented.
Another journalist Lieth Nyak Jock warned that the arrest threatens freedom of speech and undermines journalistic independence.
“It is clear that the Chairperson and the Secretary General of the UJOSS are responsible for this arrest. We are dismayed by the action taken against a journalist over office disputes rather than addressing alleged misconduct through a competent court of law,” Nyak stated.
He called for a thorough and impartial investigation and urged the Union to address George’s accusations transparently.
In response, UJOSS President Patrick Oyet said that he had attempted to resolve the issues with George amicably but without success.
“We were left with no option but to take legal action,” Oyet told this outlet. “The due process was followed, an arrest warrant was issued, and he has been arrested. If Mr. Ruot has evidence to substantiate his allegations of criminal behaviour on our part, he should present it. If not, the law will take its course.”
Oyet criticized George for allegedly reaching out to UJOSS donors to halt their funding, suggesting that such actions have escalated the situation beyond a manageable dispute.
“The defamation has gone too far to be ignored,” Oyet added.
Ruot George previously served as the Program Coordinator at UJOSS and represents Unity State on the national UJOSS executive board.