The Sudd Institute, a South Sudan think-thank, has called on the relevant authorities to either immediately release Peter Biar Ajak or charge him before the court of law.
Ajak, a political commentator and activist, was arrested by South Sudan's National Security Service (NSS) in Juba on 28 July while boarding a plane to the town of Aweil.
According to the statement issued by the institute and seen by Radio Tamazuj, Peter’s continued detention ultimately violates his civil liberties and rights, which are enshrined in the country’s constitution.
“These rights are so fundamental to our existence as individuals and without them, we are simply slaves of a system we created. Nevertheless, we recognize the power of the state to subject anyone of us who violates the law to questioning, provided this is carried out in accordance with the law,” partly reads the statement.
“As a colleague, the Sudd Institute is deeply concerned that Mr. Peter remains in custody without any charges brought against him,” adds the statement.
The institute further said it does not necessarily endorse Peter’s views, including his generational exit model.
The statement said Peter deserves a space to express his views about the affairs of his country, as long as this is done within the realm of appropriate laws of South Sudan.