The South Sudan Human Rights Commission has called on the National Security Service to release prominent political activist Peter Biar Ajak from detention in Juba.

Peter Biar Ajak was arrested by South Sudan's National Security Service (NSS) in Juba last week while boarding a plane to the town of Aweil.

In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the commission urged the detaining authority to respect the principles enshrined in the country’s constitution.

The provisions of articles 19 (1) and (4) of the transitional constitution of 2011 amended 2018 say an accused person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty or otherwise.

The commission called on the National Security Service to immediately release Peter Biar and other political detainees if they are not facing criminal charges or produced them before a competent court law to face justice.

The commission is an independent body established by South Sudan’s government to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.