The South Sudanese journalists working for China Global Television (CGTN) have recovered their accreditations which the security confiscated on Monday in Juba over street filming.
CGTN’s correspondent Oyet Patrick who is also the chairperson of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), said on Monday that the security confiscated his accreditation card and that of his camera operator, Abud Samuel after taking a piece to camera along airport road in Juba.
The security personnel told the journalists to visit security office the next day. On Tuesday, the journalists and the union visited the office and had their accreditation cards returned to them.
“We have got back our accreditation cards, the National Security Service guys regretted the incident,” Oyet confirmed to the journalists.
Majak Daniel Kuany, Secretary General of the union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) said the Union met the national security director of political affairs division and were given back the journalists’ credentials.
“UJOSS received the two accreditation cards that were confiscated after a meeting with the director of the Directorate of Political Affairs division,” Majak said in press statement on Tuesday. “Although the incident was unpleasant and uncalled for, we were pleased with how the director apologized and expressed regret for the ignorance of his subordinates.”
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan regarded the incident as a violation of media freedom enshrined in the media laws and the transitional constitution of South Sudan 2011 as amended.
“We urge anybody and particularly the security personnel who might have any grievances against journalists or media workers to follow or adhere to Media Authority Act, 2013,” Majak urges. “As the country is anticipating the first-ever general election, it is important for the relevant security sector to comprehend the work of journalists and media.”
The Secretary General calls on the media authority to take the lead in fostering a pluralistic, independent, and vibrant media in country by educating government security agencies on the role of journalists and security sector in regard to media.
