THE AFRICA TIMES | SOUTH SUDAN —
South Sudanese authorities detained Santo Jal Dut on Monday. Dut, a journalist for South Sudan Media, was livestreaming a fire. The incident occurred at Juba’s Custom Market, raising concerns about press freedom.
Arrest of Journalist
Incident Overview
A large fire engulfed Juba’s Custom Market on Monday evening. The fire destroyed shops, prompting an emergency response. The blaze started near the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
Santo Jal Dut was arrested around 9:30 p.m. He was broadcasting live as the fire spread. Dut critized the government’s response to the incident.
Details of the Detention
Dut accused the government of inaction during his livestream. He questioned the absence of emergency services. He also suggested the fire may have been arson.
Dut directly addressed President Salva Kiir during the broadcast. Moments later, authorities took Dut into custody. They also seized his phone.
A voice, purportedly a soldier, was heard on the footage. The voice stated they were looking for people making live videos. The footage then abruptly ended.
Aftermath and Reactions
South Sudan Media’s Response
South Sudan Media released a statement condemning Dut’s arrest. The media outlet asserted that Dut was performing legitimate journalistic work. They added that authorities have not presented formal charges.
Lawyers have been denied access to Dut, according to the statement. The media outlet said that this denial represented a violation of due process. They also emphasized that journalism is not a crime.
South Sudan Media demanded Dut’s immediate release. They seek full disclosure of any allegations against him. The outlet also requested unrestricted access to legal counsel and family.
Wider Concerns
Witnesses reported unsuccessful attempts to contact Dut after his arrest. His whereabouts remained unknown as of Monday midnight. The arrest follows the detention of another journalist, Michael Christopher.
Christopher’s detention occurred under unclear circumstances. These incidents raise concerns from press freedom advocates. There are fears regarding increasing security pressure on journalists.
South Sudan Media is engaging with diplomatic missions and journalist unions. They are also working with international press freedom organizations. These efforts aim to press for Dut’s release.
