Rights body calls for release of detained minister, lawmakers in Gok

The Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), a rights group in South Sudan, has called on the governor of Gok State to order security operatives to release lawmakers and state cabinet minister who were arrested in the state over the last two weeks.

The Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), a rights group in South Sudan, has called on the governor of Gok State to order security operatives to release lawmakers and state cabinet minister who were arrested in the state over the last two weeks.

The arrested officials were identified as Santino Manyiel, chief whip of the state assembly, Ayen Maan, minister of physical infrastructure. The others include Simon Mayar, Malek Machot Padai and Ater Machar.

CPJ's coordinator Tito Anthony said in a statement today that the relevant authorities should either release the detained officials or take them to court after spending over two weeks in detention.

“Arresting MPs and minister of physical infrastructure for holding a meeting is a clear violation of freedom of assembly and association which is one of rights clearly stated in the bill of rights,” Tito said.

He pointed out that holding an illegal meeting is the only charge against the officials, describing it as an unrealistic reason. He appealed to the national government to form a committee to look into state grievances, accusing the governors of power abuse.