Security operatives in South Sudan’s Eastern Lakes State have 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 for unclear reasons.
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.”
The governor of Eastern Lakes state, Bor Wutchok Bor, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj today that the three MPs were detained by state security officials.
“They are not missing but they are under detention pending investigations and the charges will be made public after investigations,” said Governor Wutchok.
The state official denied reports that the arrested state legislators were severely tortured in detention.
The governor further said arrests can be made without a warrant if somebody is found to have committed a crime. He stressed that police authorities and other security operatives have the right to arrest anyone found guilty without issuing a warrant of arrest.
A former state official, who preferred anonymity, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the three MPs were beaten and their whereabouts remain unknown.