South Sudanese photojournalist Abraham Aleu Anyieth Aleu has been set free after nearly a month in detention without formal charges, his lawyer confirmed.
The lawyer said Aleu was released following international outcry and legal intervention.
Aleu was forcefully taken from his home in Bor, Jonglei State, on June 29 by a joint team of the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the National Security Service (NSS). H reported having faced torture and mistreatment in detention.
Aleu told Radio Tamazuj: “I was brought to court on Friday, but there was no representative from the government’s side. The judge subsequently ordered my release.”
He added: “The conditions I endured were unimaginable, but I am grateful to be free and reunited with my family.”
The release of the photojournalist, whose case gained international attention after widespread sharing of his story, followed pressure from local human rights groups, UN agencies, and international observers.
The Chairperson of a Bor-based advocacy group, Bor Deng Bol, expressed relief at Aleu’s release, noting: “Abraham Anyieth Aleu, a courageous civil servant, was unlawfully detained in front of his family by security operatives on June 26.”
Local authorities had accused Aleu of involvement in recent civil unrest in Bor, where public sector employees staged protests over delayed salaries and worsening economic conditions. However, a court order for his release was issued by Judge John Yel of the Jonglei State High Court, citing lack of evidence to substantiate the charges.
The arrest has raised concerns among human rights advocates and international organizations. Amnesty International criticized recent security legislation, warning it could lead to further abuses by granting broad arrest powers to the NSS without warrants.