South Sudan’s security agencies have released Driuni Jakani Driuni, who runs an agricultural development organization in Western Equatoria state, after detaining him without charge for more than two months, a civil society group said.
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) confirmed Driuni’s “unconditional release” from prison in a press statement.
Driuni is the executive director of the Lach Community Economic and Development Organization which promotes agriculture. He was arrested in June and brought to Juba after clashes broke out in Mundri West county of Western Equatoria state.
CEPO urged the further unconditional release of other detainees, including radio journalist George Livio and Fr. Justin Wanawilla.
“The search for respect of human rights should start at home”, said CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani.
In June, Yakani told Radio Miraya that Driuni was held in military detention.
“During the crisis in Mundri he was involved in helping women and children by lifting them from location of risk to location of safety and I think that was badly reported by other people who are not friends of peace and stability,” Yakani said at the time. “And they reported that he may have contributed in instigating the violence. But we know him he is a very principled person. We don’t think he would reach that level. If he did reach that level at least the law takes its course and not in an arbitrary manner.”
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Activist appeals to Kiir to release detainees held without trial (13 Jul.)
Rights group demands release of missing Mundri activist Driuni Jakani Driuni (15 Jun.)
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