The Nation Mirror newspaper has issued a statement complaining of “censorship and repression” after authorities in Juba on Thursday demanded that an article be removed from the paper, leading to suspension of printing in order to avoid confiscation of papers the following morning.
The newspaper did not appear on news stands on Sunday. Censors in Juba had deemed a report about Riek Machar’s escape from South Sudan to Congo to sensitive for publication.
“When The Nation Mirror publication packaged news for printing at Ganesh Printers Co. Ltd in Juba, little did it know that the story about Riek Machar was a national security threat. At about 11 pm, Ganesh Printers informed the newspaper editor that the National Security Services personnel deployed at the printing press, wanted the lead story article entitled ‘Dr. Machar Resurfaces in Congo’ removed or else risk confiscation,” reads the press statement.
“Based on the information, The Nation Mirror decided to suspend printing right away to avoid losses of confiscation the following morning.”
This is the second time this month that Nation Mirror was told to remove an article from its newspaper. The previous instance of censorship had to do with a call by a former official for international intervention in South Sudan.
Nation Mirror says it should be free to report without censorship. “This act of removing articles constitutes to censorship and repression on our work and media in South Sudan generally. It also undermines Freedom of Expression and Media enshrined in the Transitional Constitutions of South Sudan,” said the newspaper’s press release.
“The Nation Mirror believes in objectivity, fairness, and all other principles of journalism. Its publications have been factual, fair and informative for the people of South Sudan to make right decisions. However, we are disappointed by continued impediment to the smooth facilitation to fulfill its mandate. In this regards, much as we are committed to our work, we call upon authorities dealing with information to allow media do its work to inform the public without hindrance.”
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Newspapers confiscated in Juba over reports of Machar’s escape