By Deng Ghai Deng
The photojournalist who was detained in Jonglei State for nearly a month without formal charges, Abraham Aleu Anyieth Aleu, has been released following international outcry and legal intervention, his lawyer confirmed.
Aleu was forcefully taken from his home in Bor on June 29 by a joint team of the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the National Security Service (NSS).
During his detention, he reported having faced torture and mistreatment in NSS and police cells.
In an interview with this publication, Aleu described his ordeal: “I was brought to court on Friday, but there was no representative from the government’s side. The judge subsequently ordered my release.”
He added, “The conditions I endured were unimaginable, but I am grateful to be free and reunited with my family.”
The release of the journalist, whose case gained international attention after widespread sharing of his story, followed pressure from local human rights groups, United Nations agencies, and international observers.
Bor Deng Bol, Chairperson of a Bor-based advocacy group, Intrepid South Sudan, expressed relief at Aleu’s release, noting, “Abraham Aleu Anyieth, a courageous civil servant, was unlawfully detained on June 26th in front of his family by security operatives.”
Local authorities had initially accused Aleu of involvement in recent civil unrest in Bor, where public sector employees staged protests over delayed salaries and worsening economic conditions.
However, a court order for his release was issued by Judge John Yel of the Jonglei State High Court, citing lack of evidence to substantiate the charges.
The arrest raised concerns among human rights advocates and international organizations.
Amnesty International criticized recent security legislation in South Sudan, warning it could lead to further abuses by granting broad arrest powers to the NSS without warrants.