The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) is calling on the Warrap State authorities to expedite the trial and access to medical care to its member who was arrested in Warrap Town on Friday.
Police in Warrap on Friday said they had arrested Angelo Mourater Duang, who works for the Kong-Koc Community FM, through a warrant, in connection with a dispute with his in-laws.
Information from the UJOSS office in Juba indicated that Duang was sick with malaria in the police custody in Warrap Town.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, UJOSS President Patrick Oyet said though the arrest had nothing to do with Duang’s duties, the union was concerned about a member’s health and demanded his immediate trial and access to medication.
“He was arrested because of an issue not really connected to his work. However, as a union, we believe that the law needs to be followed. He has to be taken to court within 24 hours and also we understand he is sick and there is no proper treatment that was being given to him,” said Oyet.
He said taking Duang to court would enable the union to provide a lawyer to follow up the case.
“Tomorrow is Monday, let him be taken to court so that the process can begin and allow us to get a lawyer to follow up the case,” Oyet emphasized.
Warrap State Information Minister William Wol Mayom confirmed the arrest and said the court process would be underway on Monday.
“Angelo Mourater Duang works for the community Radio in Kong-Koc FM of Warrap Town, Tonj North County. We heard about his arrest from the union of journalists and I tried my level best to contact the acting commissioner of Tonj North. This evening, I talked to him and he explained that it is a social crime between him [Duang] and his in-laws. He is going to be taken to court on Monday,” said Mayom.
The minister said the court procedures were delayed because the arrest happened on a Friday and that investigation was not concluded.