The Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), a human rights entity in South Sudan, has urged national security officials in Eastern Lakes State to release the three MPs who were arrested earlier this week.
CPJ’s executive coordinator Tito Anthony condemned in the strongest terms possible the arrest of MPs despite their constitutional immunity in Eastern Lakes state.
He said in a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj yesterday that the MPs have the rights to speak out if the governor is mismanaging the state resources.
The CPJ coordinator urged the state governor not to intimidate MPs. “I urge the national government to immediately intervene and secure the release of MPs,” he said.
Security operatives in Eastern Lakes State had arrested three legislators despite holding parliamentary immunity. The reason for the arrest of the three MPs remains unclear.
Marial Amuom, head of state parliamentary committee for information, Ater Telar and Madeu Angong Nek were arrested on Tuesday by security personnel.
The 2011 transitional constitution of South Sudan stipulates that no criminal proceedings or charges shall be initiated or undertaken against any legislator without permission from the speaker of parliament in the event of “serious crime.”