The European Union Delegation in South Sudan has expressed ‘concern’ about the recent closure of several South Sudanese media houses saying that it is “firmly opposed to any unjustified restrictions” on freedom of media and freedom of expression.
National Security personnel this week closed English newspaper The Citizen, Arabic newspaper Al Rai and radio production house Free Voice South Sudan, which records the radio drama ‘Sawa Shabab’ (‘Youth Together’) heard on Radio Miraya and other local stations. Also affected were the journalists of Voice of America, whose offices are located on the premises of Free Voice.
In a joint statement yesterday, the EU Delegation and the Heads of Mission of France, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, The United Kingdom and the Heads of Mission of Canada, Norway and of Switzerland, called on authorities to guarantee freedom of expression.
“Freedom of media and freedom of expression are core principles of democracy. Free, diverse and independent media constitute one of the cornerstones of a democratic society by facilitating the free flow of information and ideas, and by ensuring transparency and accountability,” reads the statement.
The diplomats added, “We urge the Authorities of the Republic of South Sudan to guarantee the exercise of these freedoms in conformity with international standards.”
Finally, they reaffirmed their commitment to support freedom of the media.
Authorities did not give any written justifications for the closure of three media houses. AMDISS, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, has condemned the move by the NSS saying it is “a clear indication of press censorship, intimidations and a violation of media laws.”