The international group Reporters Without Borders has condemned death threats against journalists in South Sudan saying that threatening a journalist with death is a crime.
“Reporters Without Borders is appalled by the situation in South Sudan,” the group announced, referring to recent threats against journalists and the killing of Moi Julius.
Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders said, “It is absolutely criminal for a president to threaten his country’s journalists with death.
“Certain words can kill, especially when uttered by a president,” the group said, referring to Kiir’s recent remarks about journalists accused of disloyalty to the country.
“We urge Salva Kiir to quickly retract his comments and to issue a strong statement condemning crimes of violence against journalists. He has clearly played a role in the decline in the general security situation for journalists,” the group added.
Deloire added: “As regards Peter Moi’s murder, South Sudan’s authorities must ensure that an independent, impartial and thorough investigation is carried out in order to quickly provide Moi’s family with answers.”
Moi Julius was found dead yesterday morning, having been shot the night before near his place of work. He was working for Corporate newspaper and The New Nation.