South Sudan

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South Sudan

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SPLA soldiers and a journalist leave a helicopter after a flight to Bor, in Juba, South Sudan January 25, 2014, REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu

Five journalists killed in roadside attack in South Sudan

The International Press Institute urges authorities in South Sudan to apprehend those behind an ambush attack last weekend on the two-car convoy of a local official that left five local journalists dead.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir speaks during a joint news conference with Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir (not pictured) at Khartoum Airport, 5 April 2014 , REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah

South Sudan: President should veto abusive security bill

President Salva Kiir should veto a bill giving South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS) sweeping powers, a group of national and international human rights organizations said on 15 October 2014.

An "On Air" red light is seen inside the Bakhita Radio station in Juba, South Sudan, 28 May 2012, REUTERS/Adriane Ohanesian

South Sudan: Sweeping powers in National Security Service Bill will undermine free expression

The proposed bill would mandate the National Security Service to monitor communications systems, newspapers and radio stations “in respect to security interest so as to prevent misuse by users.”

Link to: South Sudan: Journalist for U.N.-backed station held without charge for two weeks

South Sudan: Journalist for U.N.-backed station held without charge for two weeks

George Livio, a reporter for Radio Miraya, a U.N.-backed station in South Sudan, has been held without charge by security forces for more than two weeks, according to local journalists and news reports.

Link to: South Sudan must end media restrictions

South Sudan must end media restrictions

A new report by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch says South Sudan’s National Security Service should stop seizing and shutting down newspapers as well as harassing, intimidating, and unlawfully detaining journalists.

Newspaper vendors chat on their way to sell newspapers in Juba, 18 June 2012. , REUTERS/Adriane Ohanesian

South Sudan leaders accused of media crackdown

Threats and harassment of the media come amid fresh reports of mass killings of civilians in a conflict that erupted in mid-December, derailing hopes for a peaceful start to a country that gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.

A South Sudanese government soldier and a woman carrying a container pass each other in the street in Malakal, Upper Nile State, in South Sudan, 21 January 2014., AP Photo/Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin

South Sudanese towns suffer information vacuum

In this CPJ Blog post, CPJ East Africa Representative Tom Rhodes reports that the majority of local news houses in South Sudan self-censor or follow either the government or rebel narratives, fearing retribution by either warring party.

A United Nation soldier stands guard as civilians arrive at the UNMISS compound adjacent to Juba International Airport to take refuge on 17 December 2013., AP Photo/UNMISS/Rolla Hinedi

South Sudan urged not to interfere with media in aftermath of apparent coup attempt

The International Press Institute urges South Sudan’s government to refrain from slapping restrictions on journalists and interfering with news coverage, after President Salva Kiir announced that forces loyal to his former deputy, Riek Machar, had attempted to overthrow the government on Monday.

Salva Kiir Mayardit, current President of South Sudan, outlines a multipoint plan for development in the lead up to and after independence in Juba, 8 February 2011., AP Photo/Pete Muller

Newspaper issue confiscated following coverage of press conference in South Sudan

Almasier newspaper had its 7 December 2013 issue confiscated by South Sudanese authorities, after it covered a press conference that was critical of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Workers are seen during a print run of The Citizen newspaper late at night in a warehouse in Juba, 22 May 2012., REUTERS/Adriane Ohanesian

South Sudan’s draft media laws must ensure independence from political influence

South Sudan’s proposed media legislation package falls short of international standards in some cases – in particular as it introduces statutory regulation of journalism ethics, says the International Press Institute.

Link to: South Sudan releases Ugandan journalists after five days in detention

South Sudan releases Ugandan journalists after five days in detention

The South Sudan government has released two Ugandan journalists, Justin Dralaze and Hilary Ayesiga, arrested on 27 July 2013. They were not charged, however their recorded materials were deleted.

Link to: Ugandan journalists detained in South Sudan

Ugandan journalists detained in South Sudan

Justin Dralaze, a reporter for Reuters, and Hilary Ayesiga, a journalist with NTV Uganda, were reportedly arrested on 27 July as they filmed near government offices and security facilities in Juba.

Link to: Groups demand full investigation into killing of protesters in South Sudan

Groups demand full investigation into killing of protesters in South Sudan

South Sudan state authorities have failed to carry out adequate investigations into the killing of eight peaceful protesters in December 2012 by government security forces, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said. The protest took place in Wau, over a decision to move a county administrative headquarters outside of the town.

Link to: South Sudan lacks media laws, fails to protect journalists

South Sudan lacks media laws, fails to protect journalists

South Sudan has yet to enact media laws. Editors and journalists say they are especially vulnerable to harassment, arbitrary arrest, and censorship in the absence of laws establishing a legal mechanism to protect media freedom.

Link to: Journalists detained following protests in South Sudan

Journalists detained following protests in South Sudan

Authorities have been holding two state broadcast journalists without charge since last week. Local journalists said they suspect the arrests are related to coverage of protests and ethnic clashes in the northwestern town of Wau.

Link to: Online journalist murdered in South Sudan

Online journalist murdered in South Sudan

Isaiah Diing Abraham Chan Awuol, a journalist who was critical of the South Sudanese authorities and had received threats, was shot dead in the capital, Juba.