NSS asked to address the ‘SSBC six’ case in a fair manner

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has called for quick investigation and fair trial of the six journalists of the national broadcaster that are being detained by the National Security Service.

The SSBC six are: Victor Lado, editor; Joval Tombe, control room director; Mustafa Osman, technician and Camera operator; Cherbek Ruben, technician and camera operator; Oliver Wani, camera operator; and Jacob Benjamin, camera operator.

They were picked by the national security on Tuesday and taken to the NSS detention facility, commonly known as blue house, for investigation over the leaked video of President Kiir.

On 13 December 2022, President Kiir opened the first section of Bahr el Gahzal road. A day later, a video showing the head of state in an embarrassing situation while singing the national anthem was leaked to the public.

This week the six journalists, including an editor, were arrested and taken for interrogation over the case.They journalists have now taken three days three days in the national security cell. As a result, UJOSS has called for speedy conclusion of the investigation of the 6 journalists

“If there is a prima facie case of professional misconduct or offense, then let authorities expedite an administrative or legal process to address the issue in a fair and transparent [manner] and in accordance with the law,” Oyet Patrick, UJOSS president, said in a statement issued on Friday.

The Union said it would continue to pursue a fair investigation and trial of the journalists.

“UJOSS will continue to work with other stakeholders, including the National Security Service, to ensure a good environment for all journalists to foster mutual understanding for the development of South Sudan,” Oyet added.