South Sudan releases journalists arrested for videos

In South Sudan, the last two journalists arrested over a video of President Salva Kiir have been released. The journalists’ union UJOSS welcomed the release and said on Friday it will continue to fight “that journalists can work in a free and safe environment”. Video from early January would show Kiir at an official event.

A total of seven journalists were arrested after the video was circulated in online media. The state television recording circulated on the online channel YouTube shows 71-year-old Kiir at a ceremonial opening of a road, where his left trouser leg appears to be dirty with a wet substance. However, according to a representative of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), the channel has not broadcast the images.

South Sudan ranks 128th in Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index. According to the organization, press freedom in the country is “extremely threatened”, and journalists there are “constantly exposed to danger and intimidation” and to censorship.

South Sudan has struggled with chronic instability since its foundation in 2011. It prevents the country from recovering from a civil war that has left nearly 400,000 dead and millions displaced. (aeg/sda/afp)