The New Nation newspaper photojournalist detained by the National Security Service (NSS) in Juba yesterday was released after being held for four hours, but his camera was kept and he was ordered to appear again at NSS offices today.
“I was arrested by the security in Juba yesterday for four hours and they took my camera and documents from the Ministry of Information that allow me take photos particularly in public places. I was also asked to report to their office in Amara today morning,” said Jok Solomon, the photojournalist.
He was referring to an accreditation document issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which is carried by some South Sudanese journalists but is not required by law.
Jok said that he took photos of several petrol stations but was stopped while photographing at Pity Oil, where security personnel took his camera and flash disk.
He was then detained from approximately 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday after taking photos of petrol stations in Juba.
During detention he was told that he was “tarnishing the image of the nation” by publishing photos of petrol stations, which have been facing fuel shortages.
He was asked to report again to the National Security’s ‘Amara’ offices for some more questioning.
Jok was one of several journalists detained briefly on Thursday and Friday. CEPO, a civil society organization, expressed concern about the developments. “The occurrence of three incidents against journalists in one day is worrying and disturbing. CEPO condemns the incidents,” said Edmund Yakani, the organization’s executive director.
Related:
South Sudan security detain photojournalist (31 Oct.)