South Sudan releases two journalists without charges

Ngor who is a Sudan Tribune journalist and the editor-in-chief of the newly established The Destiny had been arrested on 1 November after the publication of an opinion article written by Dengdit Ayok criticizing the South Sudan president, Salva Kiir Mayadrit, for allowing his daughter to marry with an Ethiopian national. Ayok was arrested on 5 November.

"I have just been released without charges after spending 18 days in closed detention," wrote Ngor after his release in a short email he sent to the Sudan Tribune. He thanked all those who contributed in a way or another for his release.

International and local right and press groups condemned the illegal arrest of the two journalists and called for their release. Also, the South Sudan delegate to the United Nations was questioned by the journalists about his arrest. The two journalists were held in a detention facility run by the security service in Juba and no formal charge had been made against them.

Sources close to the file, told Sudan Tribune three days ago that it had been decided to transfer them to the police.

South Sudan president Salva Kiir slammed the two journalists saying in remarks he made about their arrest on 10 November "media freedom should not be abused to the extent of attacking personalities. In any case that will be defamation."

In a statement issued Friday to announce their release Amnesty International said "Nogor had been beaten" by the security services. "He and Dengdit Ayok are now reunited with their families, and will go for a medical check-up in Juba on 19 November."

Source: allAfrica.com