The chairperson of Union of Journalists of South Sudan or UJOSS during the celebration of the first International Day to End Impunity against Journalists on Monday in Juba, complained lack of government’s action to curb crimes against media practitioners in the country.
Oliver Modi Philip who was addressing the celebration of first International Day to end impunity against journalists on Monday in Juba said by not punishing perpetrators, they continue to abuse and intimidate journalists by shutting their mouths.
He cited an example of a female journalist in Rumbek who was detained in police custody for two days without food and water because of presenting a programme on the role of police in civilians’ protection.
Mr Modi also mentioned another example of a journalist in Unity State who was reporting life on South Sudan’s second independence anniversary celebration and detained for four hours.
The Chairperson continued that Bakhita Radio attack showed another example of impunity, wondering why the whole Radio was locked totally without allowing other programs, to continue.
National Legislative Assembly representative Paul Yoane Bonju appealed to the national Information and Broadcasting ministry to speed up the formation of Media Authority and Broadcasting Corporation and get professional journalists.
He warned against making the two institutions dumping places for retired people in the country.
Acting Information Director-General in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Paul Jacob Kimbo assured journalists that the government recognizes them as partners not enemies.
Mr Jacob acknowledged the fact that journalists contribute to good governance and democratic accountability, describing it as fundamental.