The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) has called for the release of UN Radio Miraya journalist George Livio Bahara from prison on the occasion of World Radio Day.

Livio was arrested in August 2014 in Wau town and has been held by National Security Service in the capital Juba ever since.

Speaking at a press conference held in Juba on Thursday, Alfred Taban, the AMDISS Chairperson, called on the relevant authorities to release the detained journalist to create a conducive atmosphere for the upcoming National Dialogue.

The veteran journalist pointed to enormous challenges facing media houses in South Sudan. “I will not get tired talking about it as long as our rights are being abused. The rights of journalists particularly those who are working for radio are not really being given to them,” said Alfred.

 “Miraya Journalist George Livio has been in detention for almost three years, because when I myself was detained in July last year, I went to the jail of the national security and I found George Olivia there, and he still there,” he added.

Alfred called on the government to improve the situation of journalists by releasing George Livio first.” So, I call on the authorities to release George Livio as soon as possible so that he can participate in the National dialogue and help to bring peace in this country,” he said.

The AMDISS chairperson revealed that there have been dialogues between the national security, police authorities, ministry of information and SPLA army in order to improve relations with media houses in South Sudan. However, he said some of the dialogues have parentally failed.

South Sudan will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Radio Day on 13 February, which is an annual United Nations event that promotes the importance of the radio in communicating information worldwide.

File photo: Alfred Taban speaks during a press conference in Juba/Radio Tamazuj