On the evening of 27 October, armed robbers broke into the offices of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan and took laptops, a camera, a TV and a safe.
This statement was originally published by AMDISS on 28 October 2016.
The Association for Media Development In South Sudan (AMDISS) strongly condemns the armed robbery of its compound in Juba in the night of October 27, 2016. During the robbery, the guard on duty was held at gunpoint while assets of AMDISS were taken.
According to the security guard, five men – two with guns – entered into AMDISS compound after cutting the fence at around 3am. The guard said it was raining and he was under the brander protecting himself from the rain. The two men with guns saw him and ordered him to lie down facing the ground. The men told him not to raise his head or else he would be shot. Meanwhile, the other three men broke into offices and took away two laptop computers, 1 television set flat screen, 1 camera, 1 hard drive, and a safe which had fifteen thousand South Sudan Pounds (15,000ssp) and one hundred US dollars ($100).
AMDISS strongly condemns this act and calls on the police to launch an investigation into this case and apprehend those responsible and hold to account.
Since its formation in 2003, the association has been a home to many journalists – mostly freelancers – and has been addressing the lack of capacity of local journalists through trainings, engaging stakeholders in dialogues for enabling friendly environment for journalists and media houses, advocating for freedom of expression and the media including ensuring that media laws are in place, implemented and respected by all actors.
While we remain committed to our mission and vision, especially at these critical times in our country, we call on the police and other relevant forces to provide safety for all.
For more information on this press release contact +211 (0) 956 988 807, info2@amdiss.org
