By Bosco Bush
A human rights organization has condemned the continued harassment of journalists in South Sudan, with the latest incident involving an Eye Radio reporter.
Eye Radio reported an assault on one of their reporters (name withheld) while covering an official inspection of AK Company in Juba Na Bari, where a journalist from the station was invited to cover.
“The journalist, whose name Eye Radio has chosen to withhold was detained on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 12:37 pm and subjected to interrogation by the head of the inspection committee. He was then released at 2:44 pm after being coerced to sign a letter of consent, prohibiting him from publishing a story related to the inspection visit and his detention,” Eye Radio reported in a statement.
“These actions, which occurred on July 22, 2024, not only violate press freedom but also undermine the fundamental rights to information and expression Journalism plays a crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability within society, and such incidents jeopardize journalists’ ability to fulfil these essential functions.”
The radio station demands an immediate cessation of these oppressive practices.
“We call on authorities to respect the rights of journalists to report freely without fear of intimidation or retaliation. Safeguarding press freedom is imperative for upholding a democratic society and must be vigorously defended.”
Abuses against journalists give a shrinking space for press freedom and rights to access information in South Sudan.
In a statement obtained by this outlet, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) condemned the harassment of Eye Radio’s journalist and expressed concerns about the continued attacks on journalists by security personnel in the country.
“The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a human rights organization, has strongly condemned the harassment of a journalist from Eye Radio, as stated in a press release issued today,” the stamen read in part.
“CPA also expressed concern about the ongoing attacks on journalists who are simply carrying out their important work in the country. As an organization that documents human rights violations, monitors and reports in the country, we are disturbed by such unpleasant behaviors toward journalists,” it stated.
Journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel have the right to protection from all human rights violations and abuses.
While most attacks on journalists are committed by state actors, non-state actors should thoroughly investigate any human rights violations or abuses against them.
CPA urged the government institutions particularly Juba City Council to adhere to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 258 adopted recommendations on the protection and fulfilment of several human rights in South Sudan.
“In light of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which has made 258 recommendations for South Sudan, the CPA is reminding government institutions, particularly the Juba City Council Security Personnel, of the need to work towards implementing and improving upon these recommendations,” read the statement.