Authorities in Warrap State confirmed the release of journalist Jacob Akeen Majok on Thursday, three days after his detention by the National Security Service (NSS).
Akeen, a journalist for Kuajok FM Radio, was arrested Monday in Kuajok town. The arrest followed his on-air criticism of the government over delayed salary payments for civil servants during the festive season.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Warrap State Information Minister Mamer Bath confirmed the release. He said Akeen was arrested for broadcasting material “affecting national security and state government” without management approval.
Bath alleged the journalist made the statements “under the influence of alcohol” and said he was released after “accepting his wrong deed.”
Deng John, secretary general of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan in Warrap State, confirmed Akeen’s release and said he has resumed work.
“He is now a free man,” John said.
A staff member from the Africa Media Society, a media and human rights group, called for a more conducive environment for press freedom and expression in South Sudan.
Under South Sudanese law, detainees must be brought before a court within 24 hours of arrest, but the rule is frequently ignored by security forces.
Journalists in South Sudan routinely face censorship, harassment, detention and arrest. Although the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, rights groups say those protections are weakly enforced.