Police have confirmed that they had arrested some youth after they protested in Juba against the high cost of living in the country.
On Sunday afternoon, some youth and university students staged peaceful protests at the Konyo-Konyo market to decry the high cost of living. The young people were also demanding the transitional government address youth unemployment.
Police Spokesman Major General Daniel Justin told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the police arrested some youth after a protest in the capital Juba.
“These are opposition members who staged protests. I have not yet confirmed the total number of those arrested,” he said.
According to the police spokesperson, the arrested youth will be investigated, and the police will decide to either release them or not.
“I can confirm that the arrested youth are with the police. I do not know their total number because they were arrested in phases over the weekend. I will confirm the number after investigations,” he said.
Attempts to speak to some of the protesters were futile.
According to media reports, the police arrested two youth after the protest at the Konyo-Konyo-Kony market.
The right to freedom of expression and assembly is protected under South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution. Article 24 provides that every citizen shall have the right to freedom of expression, reception and dissemination of information, publication and access to the press without prejudice to public order, safety or morals as prescribed by law.
Article 25 also provides that every citizen shall have the right to freedom of association with others, including the right to form or join political parties and associations.