Juba, 29 January 2025—AMDISS expresses deep concerns about the deteriorating media environment in South Sudan and calls on the government to provide answers on the arrests of Adil Faris Mayat and Emmanuel Monychol Akop, who are both being detained without access to justice and legal representation.
AMDISS was reliably informed that Adil Faris Mayat and Emmanuel Monychol Akop are being detained by government security agencies, and we call on the government to immediately produce the two journalists to a competent court and make favorable conditions for legal aid, access to communicate with their families and allow regular visit intervals as required by the law.
AMDISS appeals to the government to break the silence on the systematic arrest of journalists and assure the public of its commitment to upholding press freedom and the safety of journalists, noting that every aggression against a journalist is an attack on the most fundamental freedoms, especially the freedom of expression which is a central pillar for democracy and good governance.
AMDISS calls for the establishment of the Media Appeal Board, Press and Complaints Committee, Hearings Committee, Complaints and Monitoring Committee, and Legal Counsel to handle media complaints as provided for in the Media Authority Act 2013.
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