Authorities in South Sudan’s Unity State released a journalist from Bentiu Radio 99.0 FM on Monday, state officials said.
Taker Kuony was arrested last Friday by bodyguards attached to the governor, raising concerns over press freedom in the country.
Sources in Bentiu said Kuony’s detention followed criticism of Governor Riek Bim Top on Facebook over delays in constructing a road linking Bentiu town to the Unity oilfields. State officials denied this claim, saying a joint investigation would examine the circumstances of his arrest.
Nyakenya Keah Ruai, Unity State’s information minister, told Radio Tamazuj that Kuony was released under the condition that a committee led by the Ministry of Information, in coordination with the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, would investigate the detention.
“His release came after I met with the governor, who promised to free him,” Nyakenya said.
Chondok Stephen, the union’s Unity State coordinator, confirmed the release but said Kuony’s phone remains with authorities. “The committee investigating his arrest will include our representatives,” he said.
Kuony has worked with Bentiu Radio for seven years.
Journalists in South Sudan regularly face harassment, detention, and arrest despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, with rights groups saying protections are poorly enforced.