A freelance journalist who was arrested in South Sudan’s capital late last month has been released from the detention center of the National Security Service (NSS).
Adil Faris Mayat, a freelance journalist and former director of the country’s public broadcaster, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, was arrested on 23 January under unclear circumstances.
Last week, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) in Juba called on the authorities to expedite their investigations, grant Faris access to his family and lawyer, and adhere to the legal procedures outlined in the constitution.
According to Adil’s wife, Amira Al-Nahawi, Adil was released Tuesday afternoon, without giving more details.
“Adil has been released, but I did not ask him specifically about the reason for his detention because he has just arrived home. More details about his arrest will be clear later,” Amira told Radio Tamazuj.
When asked about Adil’s health condition after his release, Amira said, “Adil’s health condition is good. So we thank God that he is released and free.”
The release of the prominent journalist brought much relief to his family.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the South Sudanese government to limit the NSS’s powers to intelligence gathering, as stipulated in the Transitional Constitution. The constitution mandates the agency to focus on information collection, analysis, and providing advice to relevant authorities.
The agency also continues to detain Emmanuel Monychol, the editor-in-chief of Juba’s daily English-language newspaper, The Dawn.
Last year, South Sudan ranked 136th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Although any detainee must be brought before a judge within 24 hours according to the country’s constitution, this rarely happens.