The government of Gogrial State has released approximately 18 out of 40 youth who were allegedly arrested by security operatives last month, a local youth leader said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Simon Machuar, a local youth leader in Gogrial, said the state government decided to release 18 youth who were arrested last month. He appealed to the relevant authority to release the rest including Matem Yak whose health condition is deteriorating in detention.

“Now about 18 youth were released on Monday, and one of the youth who are still being detained is very sick for more than three days now. His name is Matem Yak. No medicine and food for him,” said Machuor.

For his part, Gogrial Minister of Information, Ariech Mayar, denied reports that they detained dozens of local youth in the state without any clear reasons, saying the claims are unfounded and baseless.

However, he said that those detainees were accused of carrying out criminal activities in the state.