South Sudanese journalist and former Program Coordinator for the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) George Ruot, was released on bail Monday evening following his arrest in Juba.
Ruot, who was arrested on defamation charges against him by UJOSS, was being detained at the Juba Town Police Station.
Ruot, known for his criticism of UJOSS leadership, confirmed his release in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.
“I was released on bail last evening and this morning I returned to the police station, but was told to go and wait for a call. I don’t know when they are forwarding the case to court,” Ruot stated.
The suit arises from allegations Ruot made against UJOSS leadership, including corruption, mismanagement of funds, altering the union’s constitution, and failing to convene a general assembly. UJOSS has refuted the claims.
UJOSS President Patrick Oyet emphasized that while Ruot’s release was within his rights, the case remains unresolved.
“The case has been opened; he was arrested on Monday and later released on bail, which is his right. However, if Ruot continues to make disparaging comments, the case will proceed to court,” Oyet said.
Oyet also accused Ruot of reaching out to the UJOSS donors to halt their funding, further complicating the dispute.
Ruot’s arrest sparked a significant reaction from the journalism community, who view it as a potential threat to press freedom and a troubling development for the media in South Sudan.