Admin
#News_Agencies
Human Rights Watch welcomed the release of government critic Morris Mabior on bail after he spent two years in detention with the National Security Service in Juba, and expressed concerns about the National Security Service Act, which grants it the authority to arrest without a warrant.
Mabior was arrested in Kenya in February of last year and was forcibly returned to South Sudan, where he was detained at the NSS’s “Blue House” and charged with defaming the former Director General of the National Security Service, Akol Kur Kuc.
According to Amnesty International, despite being granted bail, he remained in detention for investigation into alleged crimes against the state.On June 10, 2024, Minister of Justice Ruben Madol Arol ordered the release of Morris Mabior and dropped the charge of “insulting the president and undermining the authority of the head ofstate.”
Prominent civil society activist Edmund Yakani told Eye Radio that Mabior was released on November 8, along with another activist named “Michael,” by the new Director General of the National Security Service.
Human Rights Watch Africa Researcher Nyagoah Tut Pur praised the release of the activists but criticized their prolonged detention without trial.
Nyagoah said, “The release is a good step, but these detainees were held for a long time without due process or the right to a fair trial, and many of their other rights were violated.”She added, “They lost much, and their families were affected and hurt by this.
But what will stop the National Security Service from doing this again when there is a law that grants them powers to arrest and detain without a warrant?”
Nyagoah called on President Salva Kiir to resubmit an amended NSS Act, which allows the agency to arrest without a warrant, back to parliament for genuine reforms.
Nyagoah also urged the new Director General of the National Security Service to launch an investigation into past conduct to build public trust in the agency.She said, “For the public to genuinely believe that the NSS intends to reform, Hon. Director Tong should launch an investigation into past abuses by the NSS, including unlawful arrests, detentions, and torture of detainees, make public the findings of his investigation, and hold those responsible accountable.”
Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, commended the new NSS Director General’s release of the activists, considering it an encouraging step toward expanding political and civic space.
He called on the transitional government to guarantee political freedom, end all forms of repression, and promote dialogue as a tool for resolving political disputes or grievances peacefully.
Arop
