The Minister of Justice has described the media in South Sudan as anarchic and unethical.
John Luk Jok made the statement while kicking off a three-day public hearing on the media bills that started on Thursday in Juba.He accused the media houses of writing outside the parameters of their responsibilities.
Justice Luk declared that there is nothing like an absolute right to freedom of expression.
The minster said freedom of expression in the Transitional Constitution is subject to other freedoms guaranteed by law, including respect for privacy.
Justice Luk said the role of the press is not to oppose government.
He asked the media people to have a responsible role like the other government institutions.
The minister called on the media practitioners to exercise the constitutionally guaranteed rights in a responsible manner.
The three-day public hearing on the three media laws started on Thursday with the Right to Access to Information Bill.
On Friday the public discusses the Broadcasting Corporation Bill.
The public hearing concludes with the Media Authority Bill on Saturday.
The hearing was attended by a number of politicians, civil society members and media people.