By William Madouk
Former director of state-owned TV and radio SSBC, journalist Adil Faris, has been released from detention reportedly by the National Security Service (NSS), according to his wife, Amira Alnahawi.
Adil, a prominent journalist who has been a correspondent for Al Jazeera Arabic, was arrested on January 23 under unclear circumstances.
Ms. Amira Al-Nahawi confirmed to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that Adil was released Tuesday, without giving more details.
“Yes, Thank God Adil has been released today (Tuesday),” Amira, who is currently in Egypt confirmed to this outlet.
She added that “Adil’s health condition is good and we thank God that he is released and free.” Amira noted the release of her husband came as a big relief to the immediate family.
“The family members and friends are very happy and we pray that we will not hear bad news,” she noted.
Last week, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) expressed deep concern about the disappearance of the former director general of state-owned TV/Radio, SSBC, Adil Faris.
The President of UJOSS, Oyet Patrick, in a statement, noted that preliminary information indicates that Faris was at National Security Service detention.
“The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) is deeply concerned about the disappearance of freelance journalist Adil Faris on January 23, 2025,” he said.
“Preliminary information suggests that he is in the custody of the National Security Services (NSS) for undisclosed reasons,” he added.
Oyet condemned the detention of journalists without due process or notifying their families.
“We call on the NSS to expedite its investigations, grant Faris access to his family and lawyer and adhere to the legal procedures outlined in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended) articles 12,19 and 24 safeguard liberty, fair trial and freedom of expression,” he noted.
UJOSS urged for instantaneous dialogue between NSS, Union and Media Authority to underlying concerns.
However, the National Security Service spokesperson, John David Kumuri had not commented on the matter.
On July 2017, Mr. Adil was detained by security agents after he allegedly failed to broadcast President Salva Kiir’s speech live during the sixth Independence Day anniversary on July 9, and released after a week in custody.