The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has apologized to the media for being blocked by security personnel from covering the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) report validation in Juba on Wednesday.
The Ministry Undersecretary, Dr Isaac Gabriel Awow, rendered the apology at the conclusion of the program on Friday.
He said the action was due to lack of space at the venue.
“We’re sorry. We want to apologize for what happened. For sure, the hall was small and I apologize to you,” he said.
The journalists had expressed anger and disappointment after being blocked by security personnel from covering the validation of the JRC report.
“I’m sorry because we don’t have bad intentions. If you have invited someone to your family, you don’t chase them away,” he said.
Awow further pledged his ministry’s continued dialogue with the media whenever there was any misunderstanding.
“We’re the ones who invited you and we don’t have bad intentions. Let us continue to dialogue,” he said.
The National Press Club (NPC) Executive Director, James Ochaya, described the move as a violation of the media freedom.
“Blocking journalists from covering a very important function like the judiciary reform report shows disrespect for the press freedom and access to information,” he added.
Ochaya said the judiciary reform is crucial and citizens were eagerly waiting to know the recommendations.