Six teachers still in detention at the Panda Military Barracks in South Sudan’s Lakes State are critically ill, an activist claims.
Ruben Majak Nhial, Ater Ariau, Mabor Mapuor, Makur Nyot, Marol Chol, and Ater Ahou were among over 30 teachers put behind bars for more than a week by the state education minister Nelson Makoi Makur for demanding clearance of their salary arrears.
Last week, Lakes State governor Rin Tueny ordered the release of 33 teachers but the six were left in detention for further investigation.
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Coordinator in Lakes State Daniel Laat Kon told Radio Tamazuj that some of the detained teachers are sick and require medical attention.
“As per the information we received, some teachers are in critical condition. Some of them have convulsions within the military detention facility because where they are being kept is not conducive,” he said.
Kon stated that the education minister has failed to clarify the reasons behind the prolonged detention of the tutors.
“It seems like the minister has some administrative issues with them. Sometimes when you come to him, he will say that they will be released, sometimes they are released but when you go to the military detention facility, you will find out that these teachers are still in the detention facility,” he added.
Mr. Kon called on the state authorities to either release the teachers or produce them before a court of law to determine their fate.
“It is a real problem. When you look at the motto of Lakes State governor, Rin Tueny, it’s very clear and it talks about the protection of lives and properties. But I am wondering why some lives are being put in danger in the watchful eye of the governor,” he said.
He further appealed to national authorities to intervene and resolve the matter.
When contacted, Lakes State information minister William Koji Kirjok said, “I am not aware of it. Let me find out and I will let you know.”