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August 8, 2024 (Nairobi) – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urges the South Sudanese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Singeta FM Journalist Sisto Germano Ohide fell ill and was treated for malaria.
Oshid was arrested for reporting on the smashing of statues in a Catholic church.
“The arrest of Sisto Germano Oshid is another stain on South Sudan’s already poor press freedom record, and it is deeply concerning that he remains in detention despite his serious illness,” said CPJ Africa program coordinator Mutoki Mumoh in Nairobi.
She added: “Authorities should release Ohed and drop all charges against him.”
On August 6, police in Kapoeta town in Eastern Equatoria reportedly arrested Oshide for defamation, but released him shortly afterwards so he could receive treatment for malaria.
Police station manager David Mayen said Oshied was arrested when he showed up at the station as directed on Aug. 7 and was subsequently transferred to Torit Central Police Station, about 75 miles away, where he remains in custody without charge.
The journalist’s arrest was reportedly related to a dispute within the Catholic diocese.
Patrick Charles Oyet, president of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), said the arrest of the journalist did not follow due process and called for his immediate release.
In South Sudan, authorities frequently arbitrarily arrest, harass, and detain journalists.
The 2024 World Press Freedom Index, published annually by Reporters Without Borders, ranks South Sudan 136th out of 180 countries.
(English stone)
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